DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (MExN): Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has threatened to launch indefinite blockade on movement of vehicles in Peren district with effect from May 8 if the authority fail to revoke the notification prohibiting trucks carrying timber to pass through the district headquarters after April 30.
This decision to this effect was taken in a joint meeting of NTTU, timber traders of Chumukedima and Dimapur units on May 4. Informing media persons, NTTU officials said 31 trucks have been seized at Ahthibung since April 30.
It may be mentioned here that the Deputy Commissioner, Peren, has, in a notification dated January 11, prohibited movement of trucks carrying timber in Peren district headquarters after April 30.
NTTU officials also said about 72 persons involved in the timber business are going through physical hardship due to shortage of ration. Unspecified numbers of trucks were also reportedly stranded since the imposition of the notification.
NTTU has been demanding that timber operation be permitted till May 31. It justified that beyond the month of May, it is not feasible for the business due to onset of rainy season.
NTTU also said the local MLA and chairman of District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) had reportedly written to the Deputy Commissioner to maintain status quo by allowing timber traders to function till May 31. Aggrieved NTTU members said the same has not been responded till date.
In the light of the above stated circumstances, NTTU said it have decided to launch blockade on movement of vehicles in Peren district. During the blockade, vehicles from other districts will not be allowed entry into the district and vice versa. However, security forces, para-military forces, police, medical and other emergency services have been exempt from purview of the blockade.
In a separate statement, Dimapur Timber Mill Owners’ Association (DTMOA) and the Chumukedima Timber Traders’ Association (CTTA) extended support to NTTU’s demand for revocation of restriction order.
A joint statement by DTMOA president Toikhu Chophy and CTTA president Khutovi Awomi have appealed the Deputy Commissioner to revoke the earlier notification as it is affecting the livelihood of many families depending on timber business. The two associations have appealed the authority concerned to release all the vehicles.
