LH, RH call indefinite total ban on NH-2

Dimapur, May 30 : Following the failure of the National Highways Authority of Nagaland (NHAN) to implement the work of widening National Highway No. 2 Tseminyu and Wokha sectors, the Lotha and Rengma Hohos have decided to impose total bandh of NH-2 with effect from June 10 from 5 a.m. “Since no widening work is taken up on the NH from 40th km to VK Station, Zunheboto, the two Hohos have in 2015 submitted a joint memorandum, dated 26.5.2015 to the NHAN for the same, in response to which it had lamented for the deplorable road condition and its inaction and assured that work would be started soon.” Lotha Hoho Wokha President Mhao Humtsoe and Rengma Hoho, Tseminyu President, Kenyuseng Tep in a release said, “the minister in charge of NH, had assured the hohos that work would start within two weeks and inspite of such assurances no action had been seen and hence the Hohos expressed resentment by way of a one-day bandh on the 7th October 2015. But no action was forthcoming, even after a year.” “The Hohos have again on 30.4.2016, jointly submitted a reminder memorandum, in the form of ultimatum to the NHAN, for immediate widening of the NH No. 2, Wokha & Tseminyu Sectors, within 15 days from date of receipt of the ultimatum.” “However still no action is taken by the NHAN. The LH & RH are aware, with documentary evidences, that the inaction of the NHAN is due to politicization and resultant corruption in tendering and contract work allotment. The court ruling was given on the 23.8.2013; in favour of DRV M/S VASCON (JV); but the deserving tenderer had also kept silent for too long, without filing either contempt of court or claim for damages.” The Hohos expressed utter disappointment with the indifferent attitude of the NH authorities and said the Hohos have no option but to launch agitation by imposing an indefinite total bandh of NH 2, within the two sectors of Tseminyu and Wokha, till work is started. The hohos advised the govt employees, posted within Tseminyu and Wokha to be in work station before the bandh starts, failing which the hohos said they will not be responsible for any absence. The Hohos have also decided not respond to any call by any authority, on the matter, except by way of negotiation at Tseminyu/Wokha.