Mokokchung, November 20 (MExN): The Mokokchung District Truck Owners’ Association (MDTOA) “seeing the lackadaisical attitude of the concerned authorities” has affirmed to enforce its ‘chakka bandh’ on November 21 from 6:00 am onwards.
No commercial vehicle – trucks and pick-up trucks – will be allowed to ply on National Highway 702D (Mokokchung – Mariani road), Mokokchung – Amguri road, and also within Mokokchung district during the indefinite bandh, stated a press release from MDTOA president, Sangyumongba Ao and general secretary, Imtisumak.
“The chakkha bandh will go on till the concerned authorities – the district administration and the PWD Department – ensure that the National Highway 702D (Mokokchung – Mariani road) is repaired or improved,” it asserted. Stating that Mokokchung – Mariani road (NH-702D) is the main economic lifeline of the people of Mokokchung and neighbouring districts, the MDTOA reiterated that the road should be repaired.
The Association also cautioned the shop owners and businesspersons not to take advantage of the chakka bandh by hiking the prices of essential commodities. “This chakkha bandh is being called in the greater interest of the Naga public in our just demand for better roads and for the safety of our drivers, handymen and the commuters,” the release added.
Meanwhile, MDTOA declared that it will not take responsibility for any loss or damage of properties during the bandh period. “The MDTOA has already informed all concerned about the impending bandh. Therefore, if any truckers or businessmen try to impede the bandh, and if there is consequences of any kind, then the MDTOA will not take responsibility but it will be the responsibility of the district administration and the state government alone,” it warned.
The chakka bandh, MDTOA stated, has been called as a last resort since the authorities concerned have been non-responsive. Through this bandh, it hoped that “the state government will open their eyes and come to the rescue of the people.”
