Chumoukedima, August 5 (MExN): The Chakhroma GBs' Union (CGBU) today expressed delight that the much awaited work for the Dimapur-Zubza railway line is about to commence with the laying of the foundation stone by the Union Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu on August 1. The union also welcomed the Minister’s announcement and commitment that the project will be completed before the scheduled period.
In a press release issued by its President, Thepfukedo Kuotsu and General Secretary, Atso Gwizan, CGBU assured the government its “full and unflinching support”. Since the proposed railway line mostly runs through Chakhroma villages, the union promised to ensure that the works are executed freely unhindered by unwanted elements. Hence, it requested the authority concerned to immediately begin the work without any fear or favor.
The project which was approved in 2007 “could only see some light now after overcoming many hurdles, speaks volumes about the mentality of our society and the so-called land owners,” it added. Therefore, the union appealed to everyone, especially the villages through which the railway line passes, to co-operate with the authorities to make sure that the project is carried out unhindered.
The union also highlighted that the present project was approved after executing certain agreements such as, nominal land compensation, and banning of demands for contract works by private landowners or the many so-called unions, to which the union was also a signatory. In this light, CGBU stated it will not tolerate any individual or group who try to sabotage the project with unreasonable means and demands.
With regard to the proposed Dimapur-Kohima four-lane highway, the GBs union expressed its displeasure at the delay in starting the works. It noted with dismay that the project is yet to take off even after a lapse of so many years since its approval. The union made an appeal to immediately start the works.
Further, it stated that the project is centrally sponsored and the central government has the authority to award the works to any group/contractor of its choice and “therefore there is no point in raising any issue about the groups to execute the work.” Meanwhile, CGBU appealed to the NPGs/ factions and other unions or individuals not to create any hurdles to the project stating it will not tolerate any activity which hampers developmental works within its jurisdiction.
