Nagaland government served ultimatum over damage compensation for road projects in Phek

Dimapur, July 19 (EMN): The Phek District Maytas-Gayatri (JV) Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) has served a 30-day ultimatum to the government of Nagaland over the failure to file a reply in the court in connection with the public interest litigation (PIL) filed for damage compensation to people affected by road projects in Phek district.

In a memorandum addressed to the chief secretary of the state on Monday, July 19, the PDMGDVA demanded the state government to file a reply before the court within 30 days from the date of submission of its letter or give assurance through notification that it would “own responsibility and release entire amount of damaged compensation to all victims of Phek district within 6 months time”.

The association warned that it would ‘resort to indefinite road blockade of Chakhabama-Zunheboto two-lane road under Phek district and Pfutsero-Phek two-lane road’ if the government fails to respond positively to the demand within the stipulated time.

It maintained that the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) had filed a PIL in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, on behalf of the victims for claim of damage compensation but the government had failed to file reply till date despite several court orders between January 2020 and May 2021.

It claimed that the state government had taken cognizance of the damage caused to thousands of victims during the construction of the Chakhabam-Zunheboto and Pfutsero-Phek two-lane roads by Maytas-Gayatri (JV), which district administration, departments and village authorities had quantified to the tune of INR 60,94,36,684 (approximately INR 60.94 crore) after verification of the affected areas.

However, it said NHIDCL adamantly objected inclusion of Maytas-Gayatri damaged victims for compensation in 2018, thus the road project was stalled for months due to protest, which was withdrawn following the CPO’s assurance to pursue the case in the court.

While stating that it had been forced to submit its demand due to the state government’s inaction on the matter, the association also expressed hope that the authority would “not refrain from upholding the responsibility towards delivering justice to decade-old miseries and sufferings of the poor victims”.