Phek, December 6 (MExN): The Phek District Maytas-Gayatri Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) announced today that if the State Government remains non-committal to its 'unwavering demand' for the immediate release of compensation, it will proceed with the first phase of agitation—a 12-hour road blockade on December 9.
The blockade will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm along the 2 Lane Chakhabama-Zunheboto Road under Chozuba Sub-Division from Sedzu Bridge (East) to Dzulhami jurisdiction bordering Zunheboto District (North) and the 2 Lane Pfutsero - Phek Road, from Rukizu Junction, Pfutsero (West) to Upper Khomi jurisdiction bordering Losami’s (East).
Commuters and travelers are urged to avoid these roads during the agitation, it said.
Except for exempted categories—Administration, Police, Armed Forces, hospital duty/patients, funeral, wedding, students & exams, and harvesting farmers—all other vehicular movement will be restricted during the agitation, it added.
The PDMGDVA had previously postponed a proposed agitation in Phek from December 1 after an appeal by Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, and other concerned authorities. However, it was conditioned on the State Government clearing the pending matter by December 7.
The Association met with Zeliang on December 5, reiterating its demand for the immediate release of compensation and apprcaitong the latter’s sincerity and expecting appropriate court direction on the contempt petition regarding the issue, it has decided to wait for the next hearing on December 7.
However, if the State Government remains non-committal and seeks more time from the Court, the Association will initiate their agitation on December 9, with further phases to resume from December 11 onwards, stated a press release from PDMGDVA Convener Pushovoyi Nyekha and General Secretary Kuvesa Medeo.
It also acknowledged that the agitation would inconvenience commuters on the affected roads and sincerely appealed to the public to understand the situation imposed upon it, extending solidarity for years of suffering. This includes over 10 years as road victims, 5 years of litigation, 10+ months' waiting after Court Judgment & Order (30.01.2023), and a 1+ month delay after the sanctioned compensation release, it added.
While highlighting that the road belongs to the public, the Association also stressed that the land on which the road runs belongs to uncompensated landowners seeking their rightful entitlement, not begging or extorting.
The PDMGDVA further cautioned that the agitation would intensify in the second phase from December 11 in terms of hours and days until the pending matter is cleared.
It also advised its units in respective villages/towns of all 2-lane road-affected ranges to monitor the agitation process democratically and ethically, ensuring no undesirable incidents or situations are created. Volunteers have been instructed to remain vigilant throughout, it added.
