DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): The Phek District Maylas-Gayatri Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) has written to the Nagaland Chief Secretary expressing dissent over the delay in payment of damage compensation. A representation from the association accused the State Government itself of “obstructing a time bound settlement.”
It informed that with 3 months passed after expiry of the ‘reasonable time’ (6 months) given by the High Court; and the issuance of a Contempt Order, the Government of India had finally granted Sanction Order on October 27. “The same order was received by the State Government on November 1 and accordingly on November 3, the file was reportedly put up to the Deputy Chief Minister, Planning, Nagaland for necessary clearance,” it informed.
However, the association expressed surprise that the matter is being withheld till date and compensation already sanctioned by GoI is yet to be released to the beneficiaries. “The pending matter was brought before the Court on November 16, 23023 where the Additional yet again prayed for another three weeks time to obtain instruction regarding the compliance," it disclosed.
“This act of obstruction by our own State Government is being taken very seriously by thousands of victims and it can invite massive reaction anytime,” the association stated, and urged the Chief Secretary to clear the matter without further delay and enable early release of the compensation. Failing to do this within the given time of November will force the association to resort to mass agitation from first week December onward till release of damage compensation, it cautioned.
