The Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has been issuing press statements in the local dailies alleging acts of omission/commission on my part in relation to the construction of the foothill road. I do not have the desire neither the inclination to engage in a paper war with the members of the aforesaid committee. That being said, I feel it would be a failure on my part if the correct facts and circumstances of the construction of the foothill road is not placed in the public domain.
The much talked about foothill road, a long felt need of the people living in the border areas of the State, became a reality in the year 2013. Whilst all eyes were on the Government to see as to how this construction project would be initiated and completed, a surprising development took place. Out of the blue, a committee in the name and style of Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) came into being. How and in what manner this committee was selected and what is the mandate with which it is vested is known only to its members. Personally, I appreciate citizens for taking a pro-active role in governance. However, my appreciation is qualified to the extent that the pro-active citizenry cannot usurp the reins of power vested in bodies sanctioned by law.
From the very inception, it appears that the NFHRCC has embedded itself in each and every aspect of the foothill road construction. The question that arises is, is the Government and the concerned Department abdicating its responsibilities in favour of the said committee? The corollary to this question is, can the Government abdicate its responsibilities to such committees?
The formation cutting of the foothill road began in December 2013. In this day and age, the old Naga ways of “Khushi Khushi” is not relevant and/or desirable and actions based on this practice have been questioned at every turn. The practice of “Khushi Khushi” is anathema to the rule of law. It therefore came as a shock, not just for me but to all sections of society when the construction began without even an NIT being floated. Apparently, through a process known only to the concerned Department, the NFHRCC and Mr. Imtikumzuk, Proprietor of Trident Enterprises, the contract for the construction of the foothill road worth Rs. 16 crores was awarded to the aforesaid Mr. Imtikumzuk.
Since the longest stretch of the foothill road passes through Wokha District, the contractors of the said District were offended and started ventilating their grievances. Given the public interest in the expeditious construction of the road, I personally intervened. The contractors of the Wokha District expressed their desire to seek legal redressal. With a view to avoiding consequent delays, I impressed upon the contractors the desirability of co-operating with the Government. Towards this end, I convened a meeting with Departmental officials, the contractor concerned and the contractors of Wokha District in the month of February, 2014 in the residence of the Chief Engineer, Road and Bridges, Kohima. Needless to say, the NFHRCC was not invited to this meeting. In this meeting, Mr. Imtikumzuk and the contractors of Wokha District in my presence and in the presence of the Chief Engineer agreed to settle the matter amicably. Mr. Imtikumzuk, the contractor agreed to execute powers of attorney in favour of certain contractors of Wokha District. The Chief Engineer, R & B divided the length of the road in Wokha District and apportioned different lengths thereof to the aforesaid contractors. Based on this settlement, the contractors of Wokha District began the works allotted to them.
Mr. Supu Jamir, the Convenor of the NFHRCC along with other members of the committee has been issuing press statements attacking me personally. These statements are provocative and defamatory in nature and will be addressed at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum. In the 14.3.13 edition in all the local papers, the full extent of the manner in which the NFHRCC is attempting to wrest control of the construction of the foothill road is revealed. In his article “Why foothill road is an extraordinary project”?, Mr. Supu Jamir stated that the concerned Department offered the contract to the NFHRCC and the said committee in turn “after much deliberation” awarded the contract to Imtikumzuk “as it is fully expressed that there is no competent contractor from the Lotha tribe”. I was completely speechless and dumbfounded when I read this article.
“History” is being created in the construction of this “historic road” by the “historic mission”. Would it be imaginable for a social organisation to be formed for taking over the reins of governance? In relative terms, this is exactly what the NFHRCC is doing who also claimed that it can provide security to the contractor Mr. Imtikumzuk. Such public statements have the effect to reducing governance in the State to an utter mockery.
Public interest must not be sacrificed for vested interests which benefit a few. The duties and responsibilities of governance must not be abdicated to favour such vested interests. As earlier stated, I have nothing personal against the NFHRCC or any of its members. Governance must be fair and transparent and it is my duty as a representative of the people to ensure this. Therefore, I would urge the Government and the concerned Department to restrain the NFHRCC from interfering in the execution of the construction of the foothill road. As a watch dog, it might continue to see that the road is constructed on time and in terms of the specifications. Their involvement must end there. I would also urge the Government to cancel the contract awarded and in the interest of the State, initiate and execute the construction of the road through a fair and transparent manner by publishing NITs and inviting all eligible contractors to participate. Mr. Supu Jamir in his article states that there are no competent contractors from the Lotha tribe. Such a sweeping, baseless and unfounded statement is unbecoming of any person, more so, when it comes from a person who is a practising advocate. I issue this statement without any malice towards any person and I hope that it will be appreciated in its proper perspective.
Mmhonlumo Kikon
M.L.A
Chairman,
MARCOFED LTD
Mmhonlumo Kikon
M.L.A
Chairman,
MARCOFED LTD
