The All Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (ACVOA) from Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Longleng, Phek, and Peren Districts has jointly re-announced an indefinite “chakka bandh” scheduled to commence on 3 November 2023, starting at 5:00 AM. This decision comes as a unanimous response from the associations across the mentioned districts due to the government’s failure to fulfill the demands of the associations it previously assured.
The ACVOA has been persistently demanding the disbursement of payments related to the 2023 Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) election. Earlier, they had announced an indefinite “Chakka Bandh” over the same issue and were scheduled to commence on October 9, 2023. However, on October 8, the Government of Nagaland assured that “all the bills will be cleared for payments on or before October 31, 2023,” leading to the suspension of the bandh at that time.
Tongpang, President of All Nagaland Taxi Association Mokokchung (ANTAM), expressed deep disappointment, stating, “It is deeply disappointing that the government has betrayed the people’s trust. It is extremely sad that the government could not fulfill what they have promised in writing. The vehicle owners are not rich or wealthy but many faces hardships”.
Tongpang further revealed that the ACVOA has decided to continue the “Chakka Bandh” until the pending payments are cleared. He added, “This time, we have made a joint resolution that until and unless the payments are cleared, we will continue with the bandh. We have also resolved that any order like the previous time will not stop our bandh.”
DC Mokokchung Thsuvisie Phoji shared insights on the current situation with this newspaper, mentioning that the Commissioner of Nagaland conveyed through a Whatsapp message to the district Deputy Commissioners that the government would release the money “shortly.” Despite this communication, the ACVOA insists on pursuing the bandh.
Phoji explained, “I have conveyed this message to the association, but I have been told that they will continue with the bandh. We’ve been made aware that the delay in the payment has been due to the Chief Minister’s absence in the state and his visit to New Delhi. But I believe the government is looking into the matter and we are hoping for a positive outcome.”
When asked whether the association will continue with the “Chakka Bandh” despite the government’s new assurance, Tongpang responded, “Even after they themselves have given us assurance in writing, they still failed to fulfill it and have added salt to our wounds. How can we trust them again? It has been 22 days since they have assured us in writing, and they are yet to fulfill their promise. This is very disheartening.”
The ANTAM president also informed the public that the November 3 bandh will affect six districts. However, Wokha has been exempted due to the “Lotha Hoho’s centenary celebration.” He added, “Wokha district will join the moment the celebration gets over.”