The Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT) has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against NHIDCL for failure to take up “safety and security measures” on the NH-29 stretch between Chathe River bridge junction and New Chümoukedima
DIMAPUR — The Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT) has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), for its alleged failure to take up “safety and security measures’ on the NH-29 stretch between Chathe River bridge junction and New Chümoukedima.
The union in a press release informed that despite repeated appeals through democratic ways by several civil societies to the state government and the NHIDCL for safety and security measures to the daily travellers along NH-29, particularly the stretch between Chathe River bridge junction (also known as Patkai Bridge Junction) up to New Chümoukedima, the responsible agency (NHIDCL) had been “simply justifying their callous misdeeds by putting flimsy reasons and excuses.”
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The NTUCT stated that it took the lead by pointing out several loopholes committed by NHIDCL since day one, but the latter remained adamant without paying any heed to the appeals.
The union had no other option but to seek legal help and so on March 23, a legal notice was served to both the state government and NHIDCL, urging them to take cognisance of the matter seriously, it stated.
But despite the mandatory period given to respond to the PIL, NTUCT alleged that the recipients deliberately ignored to reciprocate, consequent upon which two precious lives were lost, some were seriously injured and vehicles were damaged due to sudden rock slides on July 4.
Thereafter, the daily travellers and the public were also subjected to immense inconveniences as the authorities blocked the road stretch for some period, it stated.
“Having not seen any sign of tangible steps by the responsible agency, the NTUCT was left with no other option except to file the PIL on 31 July 2023 at the Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench,” the union stated.
The union conveyed optimism that the court will take up the matter to its logical conclusion and that justice will be delivered sooner than later.
It further appealed to the general public to render their full support and cooperation.
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