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DIMAPUR — The Phek District Maytas-Gayatri Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) has raised concern over the prolonged delay in the release of compensation to victims of damaged infrastructure along the two-lane Zunheboto - Chakhabama and Pfutsero - Phek Road under Phek district.
Accusing the state government of obstructing a time-bound settlement, the association appealed for necessary clearance to expedite the release of compensation to beneficiaries or risk ‘mass agitation.’
In a representation addressed to the chief secretary, the association pointed out that Government of India (GoI) granted a sanction order on October 27, three months after the expiry of a ‘reasonable time’ of six months, given by the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court on January 30, 2023, and a subsequent ‘contempt order’ on October 3.
The GoI’s sanction order was allegedly received by the state government on November 1 and reportedly submitted to the deputy chief minister in-charge of planning, on November 3.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]However, the matter is allegedly being withheld, and the compensation sanctioned by the GoI is yet to be released to the beneficiaries, the association alleged.
Further, it said that the pending matter was brought before the high court on November 16 and the state’s counsel, the additional advocate general, reportedly sought for another ‘three weeks time to obtain instruction regarding the compliance.’
“This act of obstruction by own State Government is being taken very seriously by thousands of victims and it can invite massive reaction anytime (Sic),” the representation read.
Accordingly, it urged the state government to consider the given timeframe of November 2023 and the mounting public pressure, and clear the matter without further delay.
In case of failure to comply, the association cautioned that it would resort to mass agitation from the first week of December until the compensation is released.
Also read: Nagaland government served ultimatum over damage compensation for road projects in Phek