Dimapur, July 12 (MExN): The Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) has served a 15-day ultimatum to Roads & Bridges Minister Vikheho Swu to step down.
It also demanded payment of all compensation and to start the construction work of the new bridge failing which, the hoho cautioned, “would resort to its own course of action.”
The WSKH blamed the department of PWD (R&B) for the collapse of the bridge over the Chathe River near 4th Mile, wherein four people were killed and five others injured.
A statement issued by WSKH president, S. Vihuto Yepthomi stated that the department was fully aware of the condition of the bridge but did not take any measure to prevent the collapse.
The WSKH recalled the meeting with R&B Minister when the minister had visited the bridge along with district administration in 2015. Officials of the Hoho had apprised the Minister about the condition of the bridge, the hoho stated and added that it had also submitted a memorandum to the minister during his visit.
Maintaining that the negligence of the department has resulted in the loss of lives, the WSKH demanded that the department compensate for not only loss of lives but for the injured and the vehicles damaged in the accident.
Seeks intervention for Yeveto and Hakhizhe villagers
Meanwhile, the WSKH has also expressed “dissatisfaction” on Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi, for, what it alleged, “neglecting his constituency”. Pointing to the problems faced by the villagers of Yeveto and Hakhizhe villagers due to the swelling Zubza River, the WSKH asserted that Zhimomi cannot claim to be representing the people “when he has not done anything for the public of the constituency”.
The hoho rued that more villages are likely to be affected if precautionary measures are not taken immediately and in this regard, requested the prompt intervention from the concerned department to help the affected villagers.
Dimapur GBs Assn
The Dimapur District GBs' Association (DDGBA) also demanded that Minister for PWD (R&B) Vikheho Swu step down on moral ground and that the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Dimapur Division be immediately suspended.
Blaming the department of PWD (Roads & Bridges) for the collapse of the bridge, the association maintained that the department could have prevented the accident. Normal lives for people in 116 villages have been badly affected, the association added.
In a statement issued following an emergency meeting held on July 12 in the association office, the GBs resolved to demand the resignation of the Minister and suspension of the Executive Engineer.
The GBs also passed a resolution demanding the department furnish a white paper of the release of the payment for construction of the new bridge. The meeting further demanded compensation to the kin of all those who died in the incident besides those injured and all the vehicles which have been damaged. The association cautioned that it would resort to serious agitation if its demands are not met by the end of this month.
The office bearers later visited the site of the collapsed bridge after the meeting.
Meanwhile, the GBs' association has also urged the PWD (R&B) to note that two bridges on Balijan River - one between Hoito and Suhoi villages on Kuhuboto road and the other between New Showuba and Vihokhu village on Niuland road are on the verge of being washed away.
The meeting also voiced concerned for people of Yeveto and Hakhizhe villages who have been badly affected by the flooding waters of Zubza river. The association in this regard urged the government and the concerned department to take stock of the situation and help the villagers.
Nagaland Indigenous Peoples Forum
Joining the growing chorus, the Nagaland Indigenous Peoples Forum (NIPF) also demanded that the Minister of Roads & Bridges immediately resign “on moral ground”.
The Forum in a press release informed that an emergency meeting of the Governing Body was held on July 12 following the collapse of the bridge and expressed shock at how the state authorities have been managing roads and bridges in Nagaland.
The Forum also sought appropriate actions on Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Dimapur district “for their lack of proper dispensation of the public authorities”.
It also sought the immediate suspension of the present Executive Engineer, R&B, Dimapur Division “for his irresponsibility in supervising the roads and bridges work activities”.
The Forum also demanded that the firm allotted with the work for dismantling of the bridge and construction of a new bridge be immediately black-listed.
Further, the Forum informed that it is contemplating on approaching appropriate authority/Court of Law in the matter of drawal of Rs. 342.22 crores by the Department of Roads & Bridges vis-a-vis the collapse of said bridge and present roads condition in the state of Nagaland.
Meanwhile the Forum also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. It also expressed serious concern that the collapse of the bridge will adversely affect the surrounding villages, schools and institution, particularly students.
 MEETING RESOLUTION.JPG)
