Dimapur, Sept 24 (MExN): The matter over reported unauthorized collection of money purportedly by a “Special Task Force” of the Dimapur Municipal Council has raised the heckles of Councilor H Hokivi Chishi who minced no words in criticizing Councilor Yangertoshi over the issue. Chishi, of Ward No 19 under which New Market area falls, questioned the act “of a single DMC member” which was “done upon the direction of Shri Yangertoshi” and damaged the image of the DMC.
Questioning what the STF was doing on September 10, H Hokivi Chishi asserted on his colleague thus: “There is no excuse to cover up their mischievous deeds. If Shri Yangertoshi wanted to refute the allegations against him, why did he not intimate the NMBOA (complainer)? This clearly proves that Shri Yangertoshi’s claims are unjustified”.
Buttressing his queries, Councilor Chishi asked “Who gave the name “Special Task Force?” Has such a force been set up through official nomination issued either by the DMC, district administration or the state government? If not, then it is crystal clear that the so-called “Special Task Force” is self-styled, which is gross misuse of power.” He stated that being a civic body, cleaning the city is a daily routine and is not a new programme to the public, New Market in particular and Dimapur in general.
Considering this the councilor questioned money should be collected under the pretext of cleaning the town. He also said that the unauthorized act of a “single DMC member” has damaged the image of the Council. “Therefore, I strongly condemn this kind of act and this should not be practiced now and in the future. Such kind of acts on the part of a single DMC member has damaged the image of the entire DMC as a whole just for the sake of one’s personal interest and self-styled system of functioning” Chishi opined.
Further, Chishi stated that in the clarification given by Yangertoshi on Sunday, September 24, “they have clearly admitted to have collected money from the business community of New Market” and that “it is obvious and an established fact in the market that they have done the collection upon the direction of Shri Yangertoshi.” If the claims of Mustafa and Tapon that the collection was on their own accord, the councilor questioned, have they ever consulted the NMBOA.
“Collection of money without official permission and approval, issuing proper receipt and maintaining cash register is illegal, unauthorized and banned by the district administration and violation of the same is punishable under the law” reminded Chishi stating that since the money collected is still with them, the involved shall be held equally responsible for acting arbitrarily. He also added that Mustafa and Tapon can in no way claim to represent the entire New Market business community as they were not authorized to do so.
