TR Zeliang intervenes to settle Peren’s logging impasse

Contractors told to keep bargain: repair the roads 

Dimapur, May 7 (EMN): The impasse between the district administration of Peren and timber contractors over the issue of logging has reportedly been settled.

A press release from the press secretary of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Chairman TR Zeliang stated on Sunday that the “amicable understanding” was brought about by the former chief minister’s intervention.

“The impasse between district administration and timber contractors on the recent logging imbroglio in Peren district was today brought to an amicable understanding with the intervention of Chairman, DAN Shri. TR Zeliang…” the press release stated. It was reportedly settled after a “deliberate discussion” at the DC complex of Peren’s new headquarters.

It ‘coincided’ with a meeting of the District Planning & Development Board that also had in attendance the Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliang Kuki Public Organisation, Peren District Timber Union, and Public leaders, among others, the updates stated.

TR Zeliang, also adviser for Finance, said, “Compromise is possible only when we create the space to understand each other” while maintaining that “genuine grievances of the public” must be taken into consideration in all circumstances, the press release stated.

“Green coverage is being reduced because of rampant logging whereas our target must be on maintaining ecological balance, allowing people to live with sufficient water and fresh air for a healthy life,” Zeliang was quoted as having said then.

Calling upon the district Forest department to put in more efforts in tackling illegal trade of timbers passing through Peren district, Zeliang asked the Forest department to “identify illegal timbers coming from Manipur, Assam and Ntangki National Park via Peren district.” Out of the 11 districts in the state, Peren “tops the chart” in timber business, the press release stated.

The press release asserted further that the “standoff” today “receded” with the intervention of Zeliang following which the “time period for plying stranded timber” was extended till the 31st of May. This was with the condition that the timber contractors would immediately repair the roads.

According to the press release, about 45 trucks at Athibung-Khelma area and eight at Peren-Mpai area reported to have been stranded were “allowed to pass following the assurance of timber contractors to ‘start repairing the road within 7 days time’ under the direct supervision of PWD (R&B).”

Should they fail to “keep their words” and commence road repairing works after extension of the deadline, “a special DPDB meeting would be specifically convened to initiate action even before the normal date of the DP&DB monthly schedule,” the press release stated.

On Saturday, May 5, the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) had called for an indefinite blockade on movement of vehicles in Peren district commencing from Monday, May 8 if the authorities failed to revoke a notification that had prohibited movement of trucks carrying timber in the district after April 30.

Organisations such as the Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliang Kuki Public Organisation, and the Peren Town Youth organisation had expressed strong resentment against logging in the district.