DIMAPUR, MARCH 13 (MExN): The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries has informed that no goods-carrying trucks have been plying from Mariani to Mokokchung for the last two days. The MCCI in a letter to the DC, Mokokchung stated that if it continues for another two or three days there would be scarcity of essential commodities in the town and the public would “face enormous hardship.” It also added that the “situation may turn ugly.”
The President of the MCCI, Moasangba Jamir on behalf of the Mokokchung town business community had convened a joint meeting of the Truck Owners representatives from the town, the OC of PS. II and MCCI officials on March 13.
During the joint meeting it was brought to the notice of MCCI that drivers of “all goods-carrying vehicles plying to Mokokchung from Jorhat and Mariani are not willing to drive to various destinations within Nagaland, from Jorhat and Mokokchung unless certain demands are fulfilled.”
The drivers’ demand includes the return of Rs.900/- allegedly “taken from a driver at Longsa out post by some Police personnel on March 6.” It also alleged that the driver of the truck had been “beaten up and is in Jorhat Hospital.”
The demand further asks the “culprit” to tender an unconditional apology to the victims and their association. It added that the “particulars of the culprits should be published with photographs in all local dailies.” The truck drivers furthre demanded for a highway security team to be deployed immediately. It also demanded that the “entry fee of Rs.50/- imposed by the Nagaland Police and the Excise Department at Tsutapela Check Gate should be stopped immediately.” The drivers stated that the “monthly tax ranging from Rs.100/- to Rs. 300/- imposed by the Nagaland Police at Tsutapela check gate and New Camp Out Post on a monthly basis should also be stopped immediately.”
Mkg DC responds to demands
The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Murohu Chotso has appealed for the Truck Drivers Union to call of the Chakka Bandh at the Mariani-Mokokchung road.
The DC in a letter to the MCCI stated that action has been taken as per the demands of the Truck Owners Union and the MCCI.
The DC stated that the amount of cash lost by the truck driver has been returned to the victim and that his medical treatment charges would be reimbursed. The DC assured that the two erring Police Personnel would apologize before the Drivers Union, the Truck Owners Union and the MCCI immediately.
He added that the two erring Police personnel deployed at Longsa out Post were “awarded physical punishment for three hours” and that their one year increment is held up. He assured the MCCI that a Highway Security Team would be deployed “routine-wise.” He also stated that as per the demands, “there would not be any entry fee or any other monthly tax fee in pursuance of the standing order of the government.” It was also notifies that “further circular/order would be issued.”
