Mokokchung, April 30 (MExN): A delegation of the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) met the Governor of Nagaland, Ashwani Kumar here this evening to apprise the latter of the “deplorable condition” of the state’s second busiest highway, the Mokokchung-Mariani Road. The MCCI delegation led by its President, Moasangba Jamir met the Governor, who is currently staying at the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner’s official residence and submitted a letter which was also made available to the press. The MCCI in its letter to the Governor narrated that the Mokokchung-Mariani Road is the “lifeline for the entire northern part of Nagaland; the condition of which, unfortunately, is most deplorable.” It was also stated that the deplorable condition of the road causes untold hardships to the people of the northern regions of Nagaland, comprising of Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto and parts of Wokha and Longleng districts.
“Not only is passenger movement made utterly uncomfortable but prices of essential commodities in the market escalate owing to high transportation cost,” it added.
The MCCI explained that goods transport vehicle owners who ferry essential commodities from Mariani and Jorhat markets to the entire northern part of Nagaland through this route routinely impose ‘chakka bandh’ citing the deplorable condition of the road. The MCCI stated that this leaves the people of the region in an “economic crisis-like situation.”
It also said that the road provides accessibility for the people of the northern regions of Nagaland to the nearest airport at Jorhat and the nearest railhead at Mariani. The letter appealed for the Governor to take up the matter with the concerned authorities, keeping in mind the significance of the road.
Stating that the Mokokchung-Mariani Road has been declared a General Staff Road by the ministry concerned, the MCCI observed that the road, apart from its proper upkeep, must be upgraded into two-lanes with urgency. It added, “The much anticipated road connecting Mokokchung with the commercial hub of Dimapur via Doyang/Niuland may also be expedited.”
The MCCI president after meeting the Governor said that they were grateful to the gubernatorial head of the state for taking out the time from his tight schedule to entertain them and that the Governor appreciated the MCCI for bringing the people’s plight to his knowledge.
