In response to escalating tensions in Tizit Town, Mon district, the authorities have imposed a night curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM along the stretch from Tizit-Namtola bridge to Tekang Junction. This decision follows reports from various agencies suggesting that peace and tranquility in the town and sub-division could be jeopardized if immediate action is not taken.
Relise Sangtam, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Tizit Sub-Division, invoked his powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to impose the curfew. In the order, he emphasized that “mobilization and gathering of people will deteriorate the situation further” and that such activities need to be prevented to maintain public order.
The curfew also includes restrictions on unauthorized gatherings of five or more people, whether on foot or in vehicles, and the carrying of weapons, including sticks, rods, machetes (daos), or stones. “Any person violating the above orders shall be liable for prosecution under relevant sections of the law,” the order warns.
The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Tizit has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew and prohibitory orders. The measures are in place to prevent further escalation of unrest following a detention incident that has sparked conflict in the area.
These measures follow unrest sparked by an arrest made by Assam Police on the morning of May 6. According to local sources, the youth was detained on suspicion of involvement in the abduction of a Muslim man by the NSCN after the man was accused of selling drugs.
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Locals in Tizit have expressed outrage over the arrest, demanding the youth’s release by 10:00 AM on May 6. However, as of that time, the individual had not been released.
“This time, the arrest took place within Assam’s jurisdiction, and as such, Nagaland police have no authority over the matter,” a local source told MT, noting that the situation has since calmed.
While this arrest followed the proper jurisdictional procedure, previous incidents have seen arrests made without informing Nagaland police. In response to this, the Mon SP has requested that Assam police notify their Nagaland counterparts prior to any such future arrests. “Mon SP assured that arrests without due procedure will not occur again,” the source added.
AKM requests assistance for passengers
Meanwhile, the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has informed the public that bus and taxi services ferrying hundreds of students and passengers from Mon District are now rerouting via the Tamlu-Merangkong-Mokokchung-Dimapur route.
In a statement issued by AKM president Lanutoshi Aier, a call for community support has been made to ensure the safety and well-being of those traveling along the alternate route. “On behalf of AKM, I sincerely request all the citizens from Merangkong to Alichen to render necessary assistance if the vehicles or passengers seek or need help,” the statement read.
The request emphasized that this is an opportunity for the Ao community to show solidarity and support for their Konyak brothers and sisters during this time of unrest. The statement further highlighted the importance of fostering “bond and brotherhood” between the two communities, calling it a time for “acts of kindness” to strengthen the relationship.