NPCC and BJYM Hold Parallel Demonstrations in Kohima and Dimapur. (NP) Political tensions escalated in Nagaland on Wednesday as the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) organized separate protests in Kohima and Dimapur. These demonstrations were a direct response to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheets in the National Herald case, which involved prominent Congress figures Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
NPCC Stages Protests, Condemns “Vendetta Politics”
The Congress party characterized the ED’s chargesheet as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign of vendetta orchestrated by the BJP-led central government. The NPCC actively participated in the nationwide protest called by the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), denouncing the alleged “blatant misuse” of central agencies and the “relentless political vendetta against opposition voices.”
The NPCC organized protests at two key locations: Congress Bhavan in Kohima and another in Dimapur, spearheaded by the District Congress Committee (DCC) Dimapur.
Key Statements from NPCC Leaders During Protests
Supongmeren Jamir (Lok Sabha MP and NPCC President): Speaking in Kohima, Jamir asserted that Congress leaders were advocating for the rights of minorities and OBCs. He accused the BJP government of attempting to divert attention from these issues and obstruct the Congress party’s work for the people, while affirming the party’s unwavering commitment.
Khriedi Theunuo (NPCC Working President): At the Kohima protest site, Theunuo alleged that the ED was attempting to shut down National Herald, a newspaper that provides a voice to the people. He further accused the Modi government of trying to silence the Congress and other opposition parties.
Apok Jamir (NPCC Working President): Addressing protestors in Dimapur, Jamir declared the demonstration “not just a protest but a mass movement to protect democracy and uphold the Constitution of India.” He claimed that the RSS and BJP government had systematically undermined the principles of the Constitution.
Further Allegations: Jamir further alleged that the ED was being misused as a political instrument to target Congress leaders without substantive evidence, asserting that the Congress party was being selectively targeted for its advocacy for the poor, minorities, and marginalized communities.
Protest Conclusion: The NPCC reported that the protests concluded peacefully, with renewed commitments to continue the fight for justice, democracy, and the people of India.
BJYM Holds Counter-Protest, Slams Congress Allegations Against PM Modi
The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Nagaland state unit organized a peaceful counter-protest outside their state office near Hotel Saramati in Dimapur on Wednesday. This protest was in direct response to purported accusations made by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was misusing central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case.
Key Statements from BJYM Leaders During Counter-Protest
Akum Pongen (BJP Nagaland State Unit General Secretary and Co-Chief Spokesperson): Addressing a press conference at the BJYM office, Pongen vehemently rejected Chowdhury’s allegations against the Prime Minister, asserting the BJP’s non-involvement. He stated that the BJP was protesting nationwide due to these accusations and would continue until justice was served, labelling the allegations as part of a conspiracy and demanding a public apology from the Congress leader or his party.
Sedevilie (BJYM Nagaland State Unit Vice President): Sedevilie acknowledged the Congress workers’ protests against the ED charges. He argued that regardless of political affiliation, individuals and entities should refrain from making unsubstantiated statements based on political differences. He emphasized that the case should be entrusted to the court of law and law enforcement agencies to conduct their work thoroughly. He questioned the Congress party’s rationale for blaming the Prime Minister or the BJP and attempting to politicize the issue.
Demand for Evidence and Respect for Legal Process: Sedevilie challenged the Congress party to provide evidence to support their allegations against the Prime Minister or the BJP. He stressed that as party workers, they could not “swallow or overlook” such accusations against the Prime Minister. He further emphasized that the Congress party should allow the court to exercise its discretion and follow its due course without political interference. The BJYM Nagaland state unit Vice President asserted that both the court and the ED operate within the legal framework, emphasizing that no one is above the law. He concluded by stating that “when merit exists in the case, these should be a fair trial and judgment in accordance with the law, regardless of any party.”