DIMAPUR, MAY 8 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho and the Rengma Hoho have jointly submitted anultimatum to the National Highways Authorities, Nagaland, for immediate widening works on National Highway No. 2, Wokha & Tseminyu Sectors, within 15 days from date of receipt of the ultimatum.
A joint statement from the Lotha Hoho, Wokha and Rengma Hoho, Tseminyu informed that they had on May 26 submitted a memorandum for the same matter, following which the Chief Engineer, National Highways clarified “with assuring comments saying it has been observed regretfully that the Tseminyu and Wokha stretch of road is in deplorable condition because of litigation in the Supreme Court; but the court case is settled and the work on this stretch is proposed in the Annual Plan of 2014-15 and the updated DPR has been submitted to the MORT&H for sanction.”
The statement however said that the Annual Plan 2014 -15 “is over more than a year ago (ending March 2015).” “What about Annual Plan 2015-16? It is now 2016-17?” it questioned. It added that the Minister for National Highways, Nagaland had assured on September 30 that work on Tseminyu & Wokha road sectors would begin within 2 weeks. While acknowledging that the department has done “some pothole filling here and there,” it however lamented that “no work, as assured, is forthcoming.” “Also in the meeting of LH & RH with the Commissioner & Secretary and the Chief Engineer, NH, on the 3rd October 2015, the Hohos were assured that the Detailed Project Report can be ready for sanction within two months,” it informed.
The Hohos however said that it is now more than seven months since assurances were given. They informed that the court case between contractors “was settled by 23.8.2013.” “What are NH authorities doing for the last nearly three years? Does it reflect inefficiency or indifference or deliberate discrimination or abhorrence?” they further questioned.
Alleging that their sectors of the highway have received discriminatory treatment, the two Hohos demanded that work begin immediately within 15 days from date of receipt of this ultimatum “failing which the Hohos will take its own course of action and the NH authorities will be held responsible, for any eventuality.” “The Rights of the people cannot be suppressed by any amount of clarifications or assurances, except by satisfactory works,” they stated.
