Kohima, 5 July (MTNews): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed its profound sorrow and anguish over the rockslide tragedy that occurred on the evening of 4 July near Chumoukedima on the Kohima-Dimapur 4 lane, resulting in the loss of two precious lives and injuring three individuals. The NPF has called for immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future and has raised concerns about the responsible parties.
In a statement released today, the NPF questioned who should be held accountable for such tragedies and emphasized the need for swift action and a clear allocation of responsibility.
“This tragic incident may be the beginning and such an incident may occur if the concerned authority does not immediately find its remedy not only to protect human lives but also our environment,” it said.
The NPF further expressed that it has come to light that the Nagaland Pollution Control Board had previously communicated with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) on multiple occasions, highlighting the need for safety measures and the adverse environmental effects leading to rockslides and debris dumping into the river.
Notably, according to NPF, the Pollution Control Board had issued a formal letter to the NHIDCL in February 2021, drawing attention to a series of accidents that occurred in the same area on February 2nd, 2021. During that incident, four vehicles were damaged, and occupants sustained severe injuries due to a rockslide, it said. Despite these warnings, the NHIDCL, according to the party, seemingly paid little heed to the concerns raised, resulting in the tragic loss of lives today.
The NPF commended the initiative taken by the state Chief Minister in extending ex-gratia to the victims’ families. However, the party has called for a thorough and sincere investigation by the State Government, with all culpable companies, officials, and contractors being held accountable for their negligence.
The NPF expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved families affected by this tragic incident and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of all the injured.