DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 13 (MExN): The Phek District Maytas-Gyatri Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) has informed that it would impose an indefinite roadblock on both the Chakhabama-Zunheboto 2 lane road (under Phek district) and the Pfutsero-Phek 2 lane road with effect from September 16.
This comes as the Government of India and 7 other respondents have failed to file a counter affidavit to the PDMGDVA’s Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court.
A press release from the PDMGDVA informed that the respondents have “repeatedly failed to file its affidavit-in-opposition thereby delaying the PIL process over 1 ½ years, and having prayed again for another 4 weeks time when the matter was last heard on 11th August 2021.”
The matter has been listed again by the Court for September 15. The association reminded that it had submitted a memorandum to the Secretary; MORTH through Chief Secretary, Nagaland stating that should the Union of India fail again to file its affidavit-in-opposition by September 15, 2021 as prayed, the association will then impose an indefinite road blockade.
It stated that the road blockade will be total and enforced phase-wise: First phase will be for 48 hours starting from 6:00am on September 16 to 6:00am on September 18. “If concerned/appropriate authority fails to give any positive response within this 48 hours blockade, the association shall intensify the road blockade in terms of hours and days in the second phase and so on till the desired assurance or action is taken,” the association cautioned.
It said that throughout the blockade, vehicular movement on and/or link-road connected with Chakhabama-Zunheboto 2 lane road (under Phek District) and Pfutsero-Phek 2 lane road will be affected. Construction activity on both roads will not be allowed during the blockade, it added.
The association however stated that exemption will be made on the movement of military, police, administration, medical duties, students’ board exam, funeral and wedding (on producing card/programme).
It asked the public to extend “support for the cause of thousands of poor victims and bear with the inconvenience during the road blockade.” The association also advised volunteers in respective villages/towns to ensure the “democratic process of protest and maintain peaceful atmosphere throughout.”
