MTLT sticks to Aug 24 demand charter

Dimapur, August 28 : Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) today reiterated its stand on power crisis in Mokokchung town, and said that it is a culmination of public displeasure over irregular power supply for the past years and not July 15 breakdown of 5 MVA transformer at power station. Media Cell MTLT in a press note said, “the locking down of the electrical offices in Mokokchung town on August 24 was just the start- the first phase of the agitation of the public towards demand for regular power supply. The July 15 breakdown of the 5 MVA transformer at Sub-Station (Electrical) was the immediate cause of the pent-up frustration of the public.” While appreciating the Power department Mokokchung, led by its executive officials and employees in restoring the transformer, the MTLT strongly asserted that the power crisis in Mokokchung town ‘goes much deeper’, which was elucidated in the Demand Charter for Power in Mokokchung submitted to the Power Minister through ADC Mokokchung on August 24. The MTLT also reiterated the demand made in 2015 during the similar crisis faced by citizens of the town. “During that year, the MTLT has demanded that the damaged 5MVA transformer at the power station be replaced immediately and with higher capacity transformer. The present 2.5 MVA at the power station be upgraded. The government must keep a spare transformer at the power station to be used during emergencies.” The MTLT reaffirmed its demand charter submitted on August 24 to the power minister. The MTLT also demanded immediate implementation of the assurance by the Mokokchung DPDB in 2015 about setting up of another power station (10MVA) at Majakong Ward and another 10 MVA at existing sub-station in Salangtem. The MTLT also demanded strict adherence of the Section 166 of the Electricity Act, 2003 by concerned authority and committee members so that the smooth power supply is ensured in the town. The MTLT demanded the utilisation certificate of an amount nearing 50 lacs sanctioned to the Mokokchung Power Division during the financial year 2014-15 for maintenance works within seven days from the issuance the ultimatum on August 24. “The countdown has started.” The MTLT said it has resolved that unless and until the state government or the power minister, gives a written assurance to look into the demands, the issue will not be over. “In fact situation would go out of hand and there would be consequences for which the Power department would be solely held responsible.” The MTLT reiterated support to the demand of the All Ward Union Mokokchung (AWUM) for exclusive transmission line for Mokokchung town and endorsed the resolution of the AWUM for withholding the electricity bill to the government.