The ‘Chakka Bandh,’ called by the All Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (ACVOA) from Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Longleng, Phek, and Peren Districts, concluded its first day on Friday. In Mokokchung, the bandh points were observed at Tzusapang, Kapayong, Main Police Point, Indian Oil junction and Sewak Gate. The bandh was observed in all six mentioned districts where all commercial vehicles, including two-wheeler taxis, remained off-road.
The bandh comes in response to the government’s failure to clear the payment for private vehicle hiring charges requisitioned during the State Assembly Election 2023 by October 31 as assured earlier. On Thursday, November 2, the Government of Nagaland sanctioned an amount of Rs 11, 62, 00,000 for the payment. However, the ACVOA continued with the bandh, expressing ‘no trust’ in the government’s word.
In light of the bandh, an emergency meeting was convened at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner with all stakeholders present, and chaired by Thsuvisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner appealed to the ACVOA, Mokokchung Unit, to call off the agitation, as the Government had already sanctioned the amount and that it was just a matter of a few days for the transaction to be completed. This appeal was reinforced by the Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Manoj Kumar, IPS, who assured the aggrieved party that once the amount is transferred to their account, it will be immediately disbursed without further delay.
However, the association members highlighted that the earlier proposed ‘Chakka Bandh’ was called off after the Government assured them that the amount would be paid by October 31, 2023. Since the deadline passed without the government fulfilling their promise, they felt compelled to proceed with the planned ‘Chakka Bandh.’
When asked whether the government is expediting the transaction process, DC Mokokchung explained that the transaction “usually takes time.” He further added, “However, the government has sanctioned it. It must go to the treasury and accounting department first, from there to the Police PHQ, and then to the respective district SP, who will facilitate the delivery to them. It will only be a matter of a day or two before the money is disbursed, but transactions may not occur on Sundays.”
Tongpang, President of ANTAM, reiterated that they would continue with the bandh until the money is delivered to them. They appealed to the public to understand their grievances and bear with the inconveniences.
Meanwhile, the bandh has also made the neighboring Assam commercial vehicle owners anxious, with whom Nagaland shares a great deal of commercial trading.