Kohima, 29 May (MTNews): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has declared its decision to hold a sit-in protest on Monday after the 24-hour ultimatum given to the Nagaland government regarding the identification and apprehension of the culprits responsible for vandalizing the Naga Club building came to an end.
NSF President Kegwayhun Tep talking to reporters outside the vandalized office on Sunday night expressed dissatisfaction with the verbal communication received from the investigating authority, stating that the culprits could not be arrested. In response, the NSF held an official meeting and resolved to proceed with a sit-in protest as a form of democratic agitation. Tep urged all subordinate bodies of the Federation to join the protest, scheduled to commence at 9 am outside the vandalized office. He also appealed to other frontal organizations for their support and cooperation and all the conscious Naga leaders to be part of “this journey.”
Talking about the Naga Club’s clarification on the demolition of the building, which the NSF had not vacated, Tep mentioned receiving a 45-day vacation notice that had expired some time ago. According to Tep, the Deputy Commissioner informed them about organizing a social work activity at their office on May 13. However, the club members did not participate in the proposed social work, leading to a period of silence. Tep expressed shock at the subsequent act of vandalism, referring to it as a “terrorist act.”
Regarding the ongoing controversy between the NSF and the Naga Club, Tep reiterated the student body’s stance that the building belongs to the Nagas, with the NSF serving as its custodian based on their official records.
Tep emphasized that the Naga people do not recognize the existence of the current Naga Club, thus stating that the NSF cannot acknowledge their authority without the mandate from the Naga people.
Naga Club refutes vandalism claims, asserts demolition for reconstruction
The Naga Club has addressed the allegations of vandalism made by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in a letter to the officer-in-charge of the North Police Station, Kohima. In the letter, the Naga Club clarified that, for shops and establishments who did not vacate the building despite eviction notice being served upon them, it entrusted the youths to demolish the structure in the early hours of 27 May so that the debris can be removed on the same day without creating any public inconvenience.
The club said that tenants were asked to vacate the building, and the empty houses and rooms were subsequently demolished approximately three weeks ago.
The letter emphasized that the Naga Club, being the bonafide owner of the land and building, was not involved in any criminal trespass or vandalization of public property, contrary to the allegations made by the NSF. The Naga Club expressed its expectation that the NSF, being a highly respected organization that has produced numerous influential Naga leaders, would act with honesty, fairness, transparency, and reasonableness in their approach.
Signed by Naga Club President Kuolachalie Seyie and Secretary K Gwanilo Himb, the letter argued that the FIR filed by the NSF against the Naga Club was “malicious, baseless, misconceived, and misleading.” It stated that the ongoing issue between the NSF and the Naga Club is a civil matter that falls within the jurisdiction of a competent civil court for resolution.
Regarding the filing of the FIR for offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Naga Club asserted that it was misconceived as the statute is ill-equipped to address disputes concerning immovable property. The Club requested that the police refrain from taking cognizance of the case, allowing the matter to be appropriately resolved before the relevant court or forum.
