TASU cautions of intensifying blockade
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 5 (MExN): The Tizit Area Students’ Union (TASU) began an indefinite blockade of the National Highway-702 against the Nagaland State Government’s failure to positively respond to their ultimatum dated October 9.
The demands made by the TASU include construction of an Inter-State Connectivity (ISC) road from Tizit town via Yanpan-Sako-Loakkum-Nokzang-Khonsa (Arunachal Pradesh); construction of four RCC T-beam bridges along the aforesaid road; and picking up the pace of the Namtola-Mon (NH-702) road construction works.
A press note from the TASU President, T Noklem Konyak and General Secretary, Phaonel Konyak stated that the union, following request put forth by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tizit and the concerned department headed by the Executive Engineer, NH-702 and Road and Bridges(R&B), PWD Mon Division, had attended a meeting along with public leaders.
It however demanded that the concerned contractor must be physically present and clarify as to why the ISC Road (Tizit-khonsa) and the construction of RCC T-Beam bridges have not been completed even after so many years.
The TASU further questioned what action the department has taken against the concerned erring contractors for not executing the work even after several notices to proceed with the work had been served by the department to the contractors.
The union also sought answers regarding the reason behind the slow pace of works at the NH-702, where work has not resumed even after passing of the monsoon season. The TASU felt that “the nature of overlooking by not responding to the demand is an insult to the whole community,” and asserted that the union would not “comprise with such attitude when the cause is very much genuine.”
It therefore demanded that all contractors engaged in the NH-702, ISC road and bridge construction works should come forward, clarify on the situation and provide assurance that the works will be resumed.
“Until then the TASU shall continue with the blockade and shall not allow the functioning of government offices. Even police personnel shall not be allowed for free movement within the Tizit Jurisdiction,” the TASU cautioned.
It further stated that those departments and contractors failing to do come forward and provide assurances could be “solely held responsible for any kind of problems arising within Mon District.”
