NTTU seeks Peren DC’s intervention on timber trade imbroglio

Our Reporter

Dimapur, Dec. 8 (EMN): As the deadlock on the ban for transportation of timber imposed by the civil society organisations (CSO) in Peren district continues without any solution till date, the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner (DC) by urging him to direct the former to revoke its decision.

In a representation submitted to the DC Peren on December 6, the NTTU president, Kevise Sogotsu, argued that the Peren CSO have no authority whatsoever to interfere with the working schemes duly approved by the government. NTTU apprised the DC that contrary to what had been alleged, timber traders had not been indulging in “rampant deforestation and exploitation of natural resources.”

“Our business is strictly regulated in terms of the working schemes approved by the concerned authority from time to time,” the union stated.

Besides, NTTU pointed out that none of the sawmills presently functioning in Peren district have been approved by the authority concerned for processing round logs.

“As such, there is no alternative but to transport the same to the approved mills outside the districts”, NTTU added.

NTTU further stated that in terms of the said working schemes, the timber traders operating in Peren district had already made investments to the tune of INR 6,67,55,709. The union also enclosed a list of all timber traders together with the respective amount invested and copies of agreements executed with village authorities and landowners.

It stated that the imposition of the total ban had not only adversely affected their businesses but their livelihood as well, especially during this peak season. While requesting DC Peren to direct the CSO to revoke their decision immediately, NTTU also stated that “in default” the DC should issue directive to the Peren CSOs to “pay back the invested amount of INR 6,67,55,709 together with interest @ 12%  per annum to the timber traders within 15 days” from the date of submission of the representation.