DIMAPUR, JUNE 8 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho and the Rengma Hoho have temporarily suspended the proposed bandh on National Highway (NH) 2.
A joint press statement from the two Hohos informed that this decision has been taken following a written assurance provided by the Commissioner and Secretary, and as per the outcome of deliberations with the National Highways Authorities of Nagaland (NHAN), led by the Commissioner and Secretary, W&H and the Chief Engineer, NH. The officials had assured that the works on NH-2, Tseminyu and Wokha sectors would be started at the earliest date.
The two Hohos expressed hope that sanction for the work in question will be obtained within a period of one month (30 days), and copies of the sanction order be made available to the Hohos, as assured during the Tseminyu meeting. The agitation will resume, if the NHAN fails to fulfil its assurance, they cautioned. Earlier the Hohos had resolved not to respond to any call on the matter, except by way of negotiation at Tseminyu or Wokha. The statement informed that accordingly, the Hohos did not respond to a call by the Minister in charge of NH. However authorities from the NHAN had travelled to Tseminyu on June 7 and deliberated on the issue.
It informed that both the Commissioner and Secretary and the Chief Engineer had explained the various aspects and verbally assured the Hohos that the work would be taken up on top priority. “But because of numerous assurances, without practical response, in the past, the Hoho members refused to accept any verbal assurance,” it added.
The meeting remained inconclusive, following which the Commissioner and Secretary travelled back to Kohima, and dispatched a written assurance to the Hohos through the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha and the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tseminyu, on the June 8.
It may be noted that the Lotha Hoho and the Rengma Hoho has been demanding widening works at NH2, covering Tseminyu and Wokha sectors, from 40 km to Doyang Bridge. “But the work which was subjudiced is from 40 km to 72 km only. Hence unless the works covering the entire sectors are taken up the agitation will resume and continue, till the works covering the entire stretch are taken up,” the statement cautioned.
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