Mokokchung, May 12 (MExN): The Mokokchung Truck Owners Association (MDTOA) has lifted the chakka bandh which was imposed on May 8 in protest against the deplorable road condition along the Mokokchung-Mariani road.
A press release from the MDTOA received here today stated that a joint team comprising of ‘ADC Mokokchung, MCCI, and MDTOA & PUTUM’ inspected the Mokokchung-Mariani road on May 11 observed that ‘the BRO has started its work’.
“Therefore on seeing the developments the MDTOA & PUTUM have decided to start the plying of goods carrying vehicles from tomorrow the 12th of May ‘13 from 6 AM temporarily for 10 days (counting from today),” the release stated.
The temporary lifting of the MDTOA’s chakka bandh comes with a strict condition.
“If in any eventuality the developmental works in the said road is not satisfactory (or discontinued, as happened in the past) as per our agreement with BRO, the MDTOA and PUTUM will be forced to resume a severe agitation,” the MDTOA listed out the condition.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Chief Engineer of Project Sewak, Dimapur, Arun Joshi arrived at Mokokchung and held an intensive meeting with the district administration which was attended by the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industries (MCCI).
During the meeting the MCCI submitted a representation to the Chief Engineer of Project Sewak demanding immediate renovation of the Mokokchung-Mariani road. The representation signed by the MCCI President Moasangba Jamir pointed out that the Mokokchung-Mariani road is a very important road linking the north-eastern part of Mokokchung to Assam, and that the route is vital for trade and commerce in the region. He also pointed out that vehicle drivers face harrowing times while driving in this vital route due to the pathetic condition, and most often trucks either get stuck in the loose earth or capsize causing massive traffic jams causing much inconvenience to the public. The MCCI President therefore appealed the Chief Engineer to give utmost importance to the Mokokchung-Mariani road so that such chakka bandhs can be avoided and the inconvenience to the public be avoided.
The Chief Engineer of Project Sewak (as per reliable sources who attended the meeting at the DC’s residence) assured that more manpower and machineries will be put in to accelerate the road repairing activity. He also expressed dissatisfaction at his subordinates and assured that appropriate action will be taken against the irresponsible officers, informed the sources.
Nonetheless, he is said to have informed that the BRO is concentrating on the Mokokchung-Lumami road in view of the President of India’s visit to Nagaland University. Once the visit is completed, the BRO will divert its full attention to the Mokokchung-Mariani road. However, the Chief Engineer asked the district administration to look into some aspects like searching for stone quarries so that the boulders can be easily available, the source added.
The DC, Muroho Chotso, expressed appreciation to the Chief Engineer, Project Sewak for identifying the needs of the people and arriving at Mokokchung to take stock of the situation. The MCCI President Moasangba also appreciated the district administration and also the BRO for proper coordination in resolving the issue.
It may be noted that Mokokchung market was running low on essential commodities due to the chakka bandh imposed by the MDTOA in protest against the poor road condition along the Mokokchung-Mariani road.
