PDMGDVA to impose indefinite road blockade over land compensation issue

Dimapur, Sep. 13 (EMN): The Phek District Maytas-Gayatri Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) has announced that it will impose indefinite road blockade on Chakhabama-Zunheboto two-lanning road (under Phek district) and Pfutsero-Phek two-lanning road from September 16 to protest “the insensitivity of Union of India over the cry and endurance of the victims for justice”.

The move came as the government of India has, till date, failed to file a reply to the public interest litigation (PIL) filed with the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High for claim of damage compensation to people affected by road projects in Phek district.

In a press release, the PDMGDVA stated that the respondents had “repeatedly failed to file its affidavit-in-opposition”, thereby delaying the PIL process by more than one-and-a-half years. It added that the respondents prayed for four weeks’ time to file an affidavit-in-opposition when the matter was last heard on August 11, after which the court listed the matter again on September 15.

Subsequently, the PDMGDVA submitted a memorandum to the secretary, Ministry of Road and Transport on August 16, through the chief secretary of the state, stating that it would enforce its resolution to impose indefinite road blockade on the two roads in Phek district from September 16 “till such time the due reply is filed before the court”.

The association informed that the total road blockade will be enforced phase-wise.

“First Phase will be for 48 hours starting from 6am on 16th September to 6am 18th September. If concerned/appropriate authority fails to give any positive response within this 48 hours blockade, the association shall intensify the road blockade in terms of hours and days in the second phase and so on till the desired assurance or action is taken,” read the press release.

It stated that vehicular movement on Chakhabama-Zunheboto two-lanning road (under Phek district) and Pfutsero-Phek two-lanning road, as well as link-road connected it would be affected during the blockade.

“However, exemption will be made on the movement of military, police, administration, medical duties, students’ board exam, funeral and wedding (on producing card/programme),” it stated.

The association sought the support of the public and bear with the inconvenience during the road blockade for the cause of thousands of poor victims. It also advised volunteers in respective village and town maintain peaceful atmosphere throughout the blockade.