Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 14
Subsequent to the fuel adulteration exposé on June 27, the Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland staged a public demonstration on July 14 demanding comprehensive action from the Nagaland State Government.
In a clear message to the Government, ACAUT picketed the Directorate of Food & Civil Supplies in Dimapur and as many as eight fuel outlets in Dimapur, Wokha and Phek, which are alleged of retailing adulterated fuel. The demonstration was carried out under heavy police deployment.
While the Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies department issued a statement explaining the action taken so far by the Government on July 13, the ACAUT made its apprehension clear on the Government’s sincerity to clear a mess which has been continuing for years with impunity.
The ACAUT on the other hand reacting to the Secretary’s statement maintained any internal inquiry instituted by the F&CS will be merely a hand washing exercise. Stating that the outcome of such an inquiry will be far from the truth, ACAUT said, “Let the department initiate any kind of inquiry it desires but it will be unacceptable. We believe it will not do justice to the issue.”
On the Nagaland State Vigilance Commission’s (NVSC) stand, ACAUT demanded to know the technical or legal restraint that is preventing the NSVC from taking suo moto cognizance of the case.
The fuel outlets picketed today, according to ACAUT, are run by two of the alleged fuel adulteration “kingpins” named in the June 27 exposé. It further raised questions on the legality of the outlets stating that the outlets are being operated on “proxy” or has been sublet to a third party by the registered proprietors. As per the norms, ACAUT said that the license to operate of any such fuel outlet is liable to be cancelled.
Maintaining that the day’s action was only the beginning, the ACAUT said it will wait and see how the Government responds. “We will resort to further course of action,” it asserted.
Citizens, who participated in the picketing today, expressed discontent at the Government’s silence on the matter. One picketer, who identified himself as Kivikhu Kiho, said that while fingers are being pointed at the alleged “kingpins,” Kiho said the Chief Minister who is in-charge of F&CS should stand up to the issue and clear it up or resign on moral grounds. On the alleged NPG nexus, he said that they should also stand up to it if they are truly working for the people.
Another, Kuholy Chishi said that the Government should match words with action, adding it should address the problem instead of whitewashing it. According to Chishi, the photographs of the officials aiding the racket should also be publicly displayed.
Associate Pastor of the Lotha Baptist Church, Yanbemo Lotha challenged the conscience of the Government. As a people driven by Christian principles, Lotha said the Government should be courageous enough to do justice to the people.
Government institutes SIT
The DGP, Nagaland, LL Doungel informed Thursday evening that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case. DGP Doungel said it was decided at a Review Meeting chaired by the Chief Minister with the Home Minister, Chief Secretary and the DGP in attendance. It will be headed by an IG-level officer. Asked on the ACAUT apprehension of political interference in a Government instituted inquiry, the DGP replied it cannot comment on that aspect.
