Ukhrul mini-secretariat sealed as CSOs resume protest
Source: Chronicle News Service / Lester Makang

Ukhrul, February 10 2025: In a demonstration of public outrage, civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ukhrul sealed the district Mini-secretariat on Monday, protesting negligence of public demand for revocation of the transfer order of Ukhrul DC Zuringla Kengoo.

The move was initiated by the Tangkhul Frontal Organisations under the banner of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), as part of resumption of their agitation for the DCs reinstatement.

The protest began around 11 am, predominantly participated by women under Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) who gathered to block the main gate of the Mini-secretariat, as well as the entrances to the DC and Ukhrul Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) offices.

Ukhrul mini-secretariat sealed as CSOs resume protest

Protesters held placards emblazoned with messages such as "Justice for Ukhrul, Revoke the DC Transfer Order", "No New DC in Ukhrul, Listen to the People's Voice", and others.

According to the CSO leaders, the sealing of the offices specifically targeted the offices of the DC, SDO, and Superintendent of Police (SP) to express their discontent with the state government's apathy towards the public demand.

However, volunteers overseeing the protest disrupted normal operations in several other departments housed within the Mini-secretariat complex, sparing only a few, including the Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch and the Chief Judicial Magistrate's office, leading to confusion among the public.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Media Cell of TNL and its frontal organisations, the CSOs reiterated their commitment to the cause, stating that the people of the district have resumed the agitation over the transfer of Zuringla Kengoo which was put on hold following assurance from the Chief Minister to reconsider the transfer decision.

"As per resolution adopted in the joint sitting of the TNL and its frontal organisations held on 10th February, 2025, we are all set to continue the agitation until and unless the Authority concerned meets the demands of the public".

The CSOs said that a resolution from a joint sitting of the TNL and its frontal organisations held on February 10 confirmed the continuation of protests until the authorities met the demands of the people.

The statement highlighted that while the transfer may appear a normal official routine, underlying issues suggest lots of hidden agendas designed to be carried out against the wishes of the Tangkhul Naga people.

"Keeping all these facts in mind we request the public to extend every possible help towards fulfilling our demands and also bear the inconveniences caused by the ongoing agitation," the statement pleaded.

On the other hand, All Hunphun Tang Association (AHTA) also staged a protest against Ukhrul SDO's failure to meet its demand for release of pending Material Components under MGNREGA on Monday.

AHTA members, led by chairman Chonme Raleng, marked the protest by wrapping the lock of the SDO office with paper and affixing a notice that reads, "The SDO office will remain locked until the pending Material Component (MC) funds are released".

During the protest, AHTA Action Committee convenor Alungpam Ruivah told the media that the decision to lock down the SDO office was made as the concerned officer had not addressed their demands, even after a one-week ultimatum was issued.

He cautioned that in case the officer does not resolve the matter promptly, they would escalate their agitation.

It may be recalled that on January 28, AHTA had issued an ultimatum to SDO Denrignam Kamei, demanding the release of the pending MC funds under MGNREGA, with a warning of public outrage should their demands go unmet.