Closure of private schools, “voluntary” colleges
Our journalist/correspondent
Dimapur/ Mokokchung, August 4 (EMN): Commercial establishments will remain closed today (August 5) in Dimapur district due to the public gathering project called by the Nagaland Public Action Committee (NPAC) for a quick political solution of the Naga.
According to the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all shops and commercial establishments under its jurisdiction would be closed from 10 a.m. until the end of the rally.
The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry has further ordered all chambers of commerce in the district under its banner to close business establishments for two hours during the rally. However, he said the Eastern Areas District Chamber of Commerce (ENPO) is exempt from this guideline as there will be a public gathering in the six district headquarters on August 9.
The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) also informed the public that commercial establishments and shops in Mokokchung district will remain closed for two hours on Friday.
The decision to this effect was taken by the MCCI to extend its solidarity to the appeal of the NPAC which is organizing a public rally in Dimapur that day, the MCCI said.
Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Shamator, Wokha, Phek and Kohima districts had also called on business establishments in their respective districts to close shutters for two hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Western Yimkhuing Hoho also informed all villages and unions under the hoho to participate in the rally.
Voluntary school closure
Meanwhile, All Nagaland Private School Association (ANPSA) Chairman, Dimapur Unit, Dr Andrew Ahoto has confirmed to Eastern Mirror that the association has sent a letter to all schools under ANPSA, requesting the closure of schools in the Dimapur district on August 5. as requested by NPAC.
ANSPA added, however, that the decision to close the school was voluntary.
Apart from private schools, colleges affiliated with Private College Association Nagaland (PCAN) in Dimapur have also been asked to remain closed in support of the public gathering.
PCAN further stated that the request was only an opinion and that the final decision would rest with the respective colleges. Additionally, he said colleges that had pre-scheduled engagements such as CUET testing centers, etc. were exempt from this notice.
There were no reports of public school closures until the time of this report.
Autorickshaw to handle
Meanwhile, Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) Chairman Tito Yeptho informed this newspaper that the autorickshaws would run on Friday as usual. DDADU and NPAC would provide free car service to the supermarket area for rally participants. However, only cars with the public rally sticker would be part of the free service.
Autorickshaws with rally stickers will be available at Dhobinalla Junction, Notun Bosti Junction and DC Court Junction.
