PSC, CSU, SKK, KSU, AKM threaten own course of action if work is not started in 30 days
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 16
Five apex students bodies: Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU), All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) met Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya on Saturday and submitted a joint memorandum addressed to Prime Minister on the construction of two laning roads under SARDP-NE from Mon-Tamlu-Merangkong, Longleng-Changtongya, Phek–Pfutsero and Chakabama- Zunheboto.
“It is a lamentable fact that despite road connectivity being the only means of transportation in the hilly and landlocked state of Nagaland the same is in a deplorable condition causing untold plight to the citizens. Roads are the lifeline of the people and good roads are essential to economic development, education, progress and communication, but the same have remained in pitiable and treacherous condition rendering it unmotorable particularly during rainy season,” the memorandum stated.
The memorandum pointed out that Nagaland being a predominantly rural populated state, the villagers are fully dependent on agricultural income for their livelihood. However, the farmers are unable to sell their produce at better price in other neighbouring markets nor are outside purchasers able to come resulting in the perish of agricultural produce. It said the prices of all essential commodities are higher due to the high transportation cost involved in bringing these items to our area.
Tourism has become one of the most lucrative industries in the modern world. However, despite the fact that Nagaland is naturally blessed with picturesque landscape, bountiful hills, cascading falls and a hospitable people, few tourists can actually come to our area due to the bad road conditions.
Infrastructure, particularly good roads are fundamental in the development of any economy. But due to the absence of good infrastructure the private sector in the state of Nagaland is hardly making any progress which in turn creates more pressure on the government to generate jobs in the public sector.
Hence, the construction of the aforesaid roads must be taken up on priority basis so as to provide much needed impetus to the development of the private sector thereby enabling us to make positive contributions to the economic development of our great nation, it stated.
Nothing is more precious than life itself and easy access to health care facilities and hospitals is a basic human necessity. But due to bad road conditions people are unable to readily access dispensaries, PHCs and hospitals many a times resulting in loss of life and limb for want of timely medical attention.
The memorandum further pointed out that the Constitution of India under Article 19(1) (d) guarantees the right to move freely throughout the territory of India as a fundamental right, which was enshrined by the founding fathers with a vision to bring more cultural exchanges, unity, understanding and sense of togetherness amongst the citizens across the country. “But when we face difficulties even to reach the nearest market, educational institutions and healthcare facilities achieving the hallowed objective of the right guaranteed by Article 19(1) (d) remains a distant dream.”
It also noted that Nagaland has the lowest cost per km amongst all the NE states. Whereas the work have all been successfully completed in the other NE states wherein the Union government have promptly paid all pending bills and awarded cost escalation, however the same was not done to our state resulting in inordinate delay in completion of the work.
Such discriminatory action and step-motherly treatment is palpably unjustifiable destined to create mistrust between the people and the Government, it lamented.
The student bodies cautioned that if the construction of the aforesaid roads is not started within a period of 30 days then “we are prepared to adopt our own course of action for which we shall not be held responsible.”
Talking to media persons after submitting the memorandum, the students leaders said the Governor expressed his keenness to cooperate with the five apex students bodies to ensure that the project become a reality for the people.
