KOHIMA, December 20 (NEPS): Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) today drew the attention of Minister for National Highways, Nuklutoshi, with regard to the construction of two-lane roads, namely Mon-Tamlu-Merangkong; Longleng-Changtongya; Phek-Pfutsero; and Chakabama-Zunheboto. The project is under SARDF-NE.
In a press release, PPC President Chiangan Phom said the roads are the “lifeline” for the people of Longleng district and had been motorable despite poor conditions for the last 100 years. “As such, the project was a prayer answered to improve the socio-economy condition of the region.” The Council, however, regretted that the project was abandoned since the early part of 2012 after huge cutting of earth works by the contractors due to which the roads which were motorable before has been cut off affecting not only the economy of the people but also compelling the students to travel long distances for their schoolings on foot, losing lives on the way to hospitals for want of timely medical treatment.
The PPC also disclosed that affected parties had submitted several representations to the authority concerned in the past for the resumption of works but to no avail.
It also said they had been always co-operating with the department and the contractors by way of giving lands at free of cost and even used the services of the locals for cooperating with the inspecting teams appointed by MoRTH, High Court and SC.
“Now, the suffering of the people has become unbearable as the abandoned construction work started turning into muddy field.” Terming it a “breach of fundamental rights to the bonafide citizens guaranteed under the Constitution of India,” it further warned that there is every likelihood “the affected public might take the matter into their hands, and in the event of such development, the consequences would be unfortunate.”
The Council appealed to the Minister to immediately intervene into the matter and see that the resumption of the works during the coming monsoon is done.
