Mangkolemba orgs. serve ultimatum to Nagaland government

Dimapur, Sep. 26 (EMN): Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem (MALT), civil society organisations comprising All Ward Chairman Association of Mangkolemba, Watsü Mungdang Mangkolemba, Mangkolemba Town Students Union (MTSU)and student bodies from  the three ranges of Jangpetkong, Japukong and Tzürangkong, have served an ultimatum to the state government to repair the road connecting Mangkolemba town with Mariani-Mokokchung road(NH702-D) at Longnak.

The joint memorandum also demanded the government to construct proper drains and new bridges in place of the old/weak ones by October 31.

According to the statement, the 11 kilometre road connecting the town with Longnak is the ‘lifeline not only for the people of Mangkolemba town but also for a larger part of the sub-division as many villages are reached via this road.

“Keeping this 11km Mangkolemba-Longnak road in good condition is paramount as Mangkolemba sub division is situated in a strategic location bordering Assam. But to great dismay, this road has been neglected by the State Government for many years leading to degradation of the road.

‘It is to be noted that the first black topping was done way back in 1986. Since then, the road has yet to see another one/major repair. As a result, the road (relevantly a riverbed) is in pathetic condition with most of the bridges on the brink of collapse posing great danger to lives of people plying on this road,’ read the statement.

It said the civil society organisations of Mangkolemba had written to the state government on numerous occasions, however ‘no action has been initiated till date’.

“As such, widespread public outrage is inevitable, arising due to discontentment and over the prejudice and adamant attitude of the state govt,” it read.

It added that the organisations would initiate their own course of action if the government failed to heed to their demands.