The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has withdrawn its earlier decision to disassociate from its former president, Katho P. Awomi, stating that a previous press statement had unintentionally created public confusion and caused unintended prejudice to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
In a press release, ANCSU vice-president and chairman of its Grievances Cell, Duve Tetseo, said the clarification was being issued with reference to the union’s media cell statement released on July 3 regarding its former president.
Tetseo said that a particular expression used in the earlier statement had inadvertently led to misunderstanding and unintended consequences. He noted that allegations relating to an alleged demand for money had already been categorically denied and clarified on several occasions by the parties concerned.
“As such, the statement unintentionally caused prejudice to the reputation of the NSF. ANCSU sincerely regrets the same,” he said.
Following internal deliberations, the union decided that its earlier statement announcing its disassociation from Katho Awomi would no longer remain in force until the facts of the matter are conclusively established through the due process of law.
While issuing the clarification, ANCSU reiterated its concern over the continued operation of illegal bars and nightclubs, which it alleged were functioning in violation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
The students’ body said such establishments continued to operate openly despite repeated appeals by civil society organisations for stricter enforcement of the law. It questioned why law enforcement agencies had failed to take action against businesses allegedly operating in violation of the prohibition law.
Calling for impartial enforcement of the law, ANCSU urged the authorities concerned to take immediate action against all illegal bars and nightclubs without fear or favour. The union said effective implementation of existing laws was essential to uphold the rule of law and address concerns repeatedly raised by various sections of society.
