Farmers suspects handiwork of depot owners selling adulterated oil
Our Correspondent
Kohima |July 13
Six paddy fields under Jotsoma village in Kohima district were destroyed after spilled-car fuel (petrol/diesel) leaked into many acres of newly planted paddy fields.
On learning of the incident, a group of journalists rushed to the spot to gather information from the farmers. The destroyed paddy fields are located below the National Highway 29, above Dzüdza River.
The oil spillage is suspected to be deliberate. There was no sign of vehicle accidents, and the oil were found to have been disposed off from above the national highway from Kezharü, a small stream.
Talking to media persons, Razouneikho Nakhro, one of the paddy field owners, regretted that the effort of his family for the last six months have been destroyed by the act of some ‘irresponsible citizens.’
“We suspect that the oil could have been spilled intentionally by some depot owners who sell adulterated oil,” one of the farmers present at the site said.
He went on to add that the ongoing effort of ACAUT (Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation) Nagaland in checking adulterated oil must have led to this action.
He added that the depot owners must have spilled-out the oil with the fear of being caught by ACAUT. The exact date when the oils were spilled could not be ascertained, but the farmers informed that they came to know about it on Saturday.
The concerned district administration was also informed about the incident. A complaint letter was submitted along with photographs to the SDO (Civil), Sechü circle on July 11.
An FIR was also lodged at Sechü Zubza Police Station today. The affected farmers include Thekrunguto Medoze, Kokehesie Suokhrie, Kosievito Nisa, Viliebeinyü Nakhro, Sedevilie Gwirie and Razouneikho Nakhro, all hailing from Jotsoma village.
The farmers also made a plea to Nagaland Disaster Management Authority to extent grant relief.
Meanwhile, the Western Angami Youth Organization (WAYO) condemned the ‘irresponsible action’, which occurred within its jurisdiction.
“This is the act of some irresponsible citizens who have intentionally spilled the oil knowing that there are paddy fields below the highway. Whosoever it may be, strong action will be taken once caught,” stated a press release issued by WAYO president Neidilhoutuo Sechü and vice president Neizevolie Nakhro.
The organisation also requested the district administration and disaster management authority to visit the affected paddy fields and grant relief accordingly.
Further, it appealed the concerned authority to investigate the matter to find out the culprits.
