Justifies undertaking it is demanding from contractors
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 22
The Nagaland foothills road courted more controversy as the launch of work in one segment of Wokha district went ahead despite protest by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC). On February 21, two firms— M/S Chabou & Co, and JK Construction unilaterally launched the start of work in Khumjo Yan, falling in the Baghthy Division of the PWD (Road & Bridges) ignoring the demand of the NFHRCC to sign an undertaking relating to maintaining quality work and timely execution by the contractors.
A key point of contention in the undertaking revolves around the issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the NFHRCC for clearing bills to the contractors. The terms of the undertaking, which the NFHRCC maintains other contractors have signed, includes clauses regarding workmanship, project timelines, limiting taxes to statutory charges only, and issuing of NOC before bill payments. Some contractors, including JK Constructions and M/S Chabou & Co, reportedly found these terms unacceptable.
The launch of work on February 21 had the support of MLA Achumbemo Kikon, who represents the 40 Bhandari Assembly seat, in which the said location falls.
At the launch, MLA Kikon commented that he was against non-governmental organisations compelling contractors to sign undertakings outside the scope of what was already in contract between the government and contracted firms. According to him, the NFHRCC demand undermines the government's authority.
Reacting to this, the NFHRCC termed the MLA’s comment short of comprehending the significance of the foothills road project. “I think he should come to us… so that he will know the full picture of the project. If not, being a responsible leader, he should not speak this kind of loose words in the public domain. He is yet to fully understand the meaning of the foothill road project, which we regard as extraordinary,” NFHRCC Convenor, Supu Jamir told a press conference following a meeting of the committee in Dimapur on February 22.
Citing what he termed as the extraordinary circumstances in which the movement for the foothills road was birthed in 2012-13, he said that project stands out for two reasons—landowners agreeing to forego compensation and the Naga Political Groups deciding not to tax the project. He added that this was the result of several tribe hohos coming together to ensure that the foothills road, dubbed as the ‘People’s/Survival’ road by the NFHRCC, sees the light of day.
He said that the NFRHCC and the 12 tribe hohos, which support it enjoys, does not recognise the launch. He held that the work was unilaterally launched despite the NFHRCC's objections and lack of participation from relevant government department, and even the Lotha Hoho.
What next?
The NFHRCC said that it will be writing to the Lotha Hoho, Sumi Hoho and Ao Senden to initiate action against the MLA. Jamir said that the MLA and the firms violated the resolution adopted by the three tribal bodies with regard to the foothills road, on January 16 in Mokokchung. While stating that the NFHRCC was prepared to stop the project, if work begins without the agreement being signed in other sectors, he said that the committee will be getting in touch with the Konyak Union and Phom People’s Council, whose jurisdictions involve other unsigned contractors. They will also engage with the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, he added.
