Imphal, August 31 2009: Hitting out at the stance of Indigenous Democratic Front to impose a day long bandh in the hill districts on September 1 to demand elections to Autonomous District Council in the hill areas, various civil society organisations and student bodies in Ukhrul district and Naga Peoples' Organisation, Senapati have today said that they would not support the bandh.

In a press release jointly signed by representatives of Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, the bodies have asserted that they as mandated organisations of the district have not been consulted by IDF.

"We are not against holding of ADC elections in the hill districts.

We are aware of the fact that ADC elections hold great significance to all the tribals living in the hill areas" the release said, adding "However, the manner in which an organisation which has no people's mandate indulges in activities that will create adverse impact to the public is not acceptable".

Expressing regret over such move that can badly affect normal life of the public, the release has questioned, if IDF has any legal sanction to act arbitrarily to the extent of calling bandh without the concern of mandated organisations which are in existence in the hill districts.

Strongly objecting to the bandh called by Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF), M Dili, president of the Naga Peoples'Organisation, Senapati today called upon the general public not to support nor give any cooperation to the so-called organisation stating that IDF is formed without the mandate of the people.

Terming the organisation as bogus and misleading, the NPO president warned the organisation not to create any confusion at this crucial juncture.

NPO president, Senapati also stated that the bandh called by the so-called Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) is uncalled for.

The NPO, Senapati said that the so-called organization is formed by frustrated individuals who were rejected by the general public.

Appealing to the people not to take note of the call, the NPO said such organization without the mandate of the people will be judged and strong action would be taken up against such self-styled organization.

The NPO further said that the so-called organization worked only for vested interest and appealed to the general public to be aware of their sinister plan.

It further warned the public to stay away from those groups that are trying to destabilize the welfare of the people, particularly, the hill people.

The NPO further said that the bandh called by the IDF should be ignored and that it shall not be responsible for any consequences arising out of it.

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