The condition of the road on the west end of Dimapur’s GS Road, which connects with the rail yard, Golaghat Road and Flyover on October 25. (Morung Photo)
Appeals business community from paying tax if roads are not repaired by Dec 31
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 25
The Congress took to the street of Dimapur on October 25 highlighting the deplorable road conditions in an arterial commercial hub of the town. The rally was organised by the Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) and as per the DDCC, the protest rally was supported by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Minority Department.
At the core of the protest was the neglected GS Road – starting from the Dhobinulla junction to the rail yard – and other roads linked to it. The road in question serves as an essential link for several wholesale businesses that supplies essential items to the entire state.
NPCC chief K Therie, who addressed the rally, said that it was a “symbolic protest to draw the attention of the government” but cautioned against the ruling United Democratic Alliance from taking it lightly. “If by December 31, the roads are not repaired, I appeal to all the business community in Dimapur to not pay tax to the government... We will gherao PWD offices. We are giving time till December 31… We will paralyse the government if they don’t do it. This is our commitment and we will see that the government acts. This is a commitment we are giving to the people of Dimapur,” declared Therie.
He held that despite Dimapur being the source of maximum revenue for the state, the government has not even managed to maintain a small stretch of road in 18 years. “The money is going to their pockets,” he said, while accusing the legislators from Dimapur of making tall promises. “The MLAs from Dimapur have promised building flyovers during election, yet they have not even managed to fill potholes. They have not even managed to ease the parking problem.”
According to him, ‘change,’ as claimed by the erstwhile PDA government was affected by the Congress irrespective of place or state. In Assam, he held that all the BJP government could do was set up multiple toll gates along the highway leading to Nagaland and after crossing over into Nagaland, transporters have to pay illegal taxes to 9 Naga Political Groups and no less than 40-50 unions and associations. “There is no road, there is no law and order and it is free for all in Dimapur. Why aren’t the legislators from Dimapur representing the wish of the electorate?” he questioned.
While calling for voting to power a government that serves the need of the people, he reminded, “It is your vote. Do not get angry with anybody. Get angry with your vote for what is wrong. Therefore, my appeal to the people of Dimapur is to collectively stand up for the construction of the road(s).”
According to businessmen in the area, GS Road has not been repaired in 10-15 years. The condition of the road was described by one shopkeeper like this, “Loose pebbles comes flying when vehicles drive by. It has been over ten years since I have been working in this area (GS Road) but not once have I seen the government repairing this road. I haven’t seen a road like this in any other state. Every once in a while they come and pour dirt (to fill potholes) only to be swept away by rainwater or the wind.”
