DIMAPUR, AUGUST 28 (MExN): Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang on Tuesday stated that the construction of the 4-lane along NH 29 from Chathe Bridge (Patkai College junction) to Piphema coming to a halt is not due to anti-social activities alone but because of negligence of the state government in creating a conducive atmosphere.
Coming down heavily on the ruling government, a press communiqué from Zeliang said the recent incident of harassment meted to workers and theft of machineries belonging to contractors by anti-social elements indicated the failure of the ruling government in coming up with concrete measures to curb such menace.
Zeliang noted that the ongoing 4-lane construction of Dimapur-Kohima NH is the first and among the most important national projects in Nagaland which once completed, will immensely benefit the citizens including commuters from neighbouring states passing through the capital city of Kohima and the state’s commercial hub, Dimapur.
However in recent times, harassment of workers and theft of machineries belonging to contractors by anti-social elements have brought the construction works to a halt. For every action, there is a reason: the present situation displays the stark reality of lawlessness and mayhem in the State, Zeliang maintained.
When land-owners and civil societies are supportive for the successful implementation of such important projects, what is the problem and difficulty on the part of the government machineries to initiate obligatory action in ensuring safety of workers and machineries?, he also questioned.
Zeliang therefore said the state government instead of remaining a mute spectator must immediately carry out investigations and book the culprits while initiating appropriate action against such elements.
He also said the state authority should perform its bounden duty by instilling sense of security in its citizens and should not “pay attention only on responsibilities where commissions and kick-backs exist.”
Zeliang further pointed out that the failure of recovering vehicles despite filing of FIRs portrays the ineffectiveness of government machineries.
“We talk a lot about good roads but if government of the day fails to protect workers of such major projects on an open National Highway, how can we expect to have sustainable roads in other parts of the State?”
Not only is it the bounden duty of the state government to check on the contractors for quality of work and timely completion of the project as per contractual agreement but providing safety and security as and when required, is equally important, Zeliang stated.
In this regard, Zeliang has urged the state government to immediately initiate appropriate measures and ensure that the 4-laning works along NH-29 is completed on time without any further hindrance.
Book culprits: NTC to state govt
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 28 (MExN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has expressed concern over the reports of some elements disturbing the 4-lane road construction at NH 29 between Dimapur and Kohima. A press release from NTC said it viewed the report with all seriousness while terming it as a threat to “our basic life and development since the highway is the only lifeline connecting Nagaland with rest of the world. The NTC has therefore urged the state government and the NHIDCL to immediately intervene and book the culprits so that the work will continue without any hindrance. It also requested the public in the locality to extend all possible cooperation during this crucial period.
