Wokha, 6 February (MTNews): Following a five-day ultimatum issued to Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, which expired today, the civil society organizations and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Wokha village have declared an indefinite bandh along the National Highway passing through Wokha district, effective from 6:00 am of 8 February 2024.
The ultimatum, served on 1February and widely publicized across newspapers and digital media of the state on 2 February, demanded the commencement of work on the ongoing two-lane construction of NH-2 (Old NH-61) from KM 72.40 to KM 83.00, Wokha district. However, the authorities, including the District Administration, Department of National Highways Nagaland, and the contractor (TTC Infra India), failed to initiate the work, prompting the bandh.
The apex civil society organizations (CSOs) within Wokha district, along with the JAC, have reiterated that the bandh will only be lifted once their demands are met, which include the immediate commencement of the halted construction work which has been arbitrarily stopped.
It said that vehicles coming from other districts shall be banned entry into Wokha district; therefore, it appealed to all citizens planning to travel through Wokha district to take note and make their travel plans accordingly.
“Except for Government registered vehicles, intra-district vehicular movement shall be allowed,” it added. Exemptions from the bandh will be granted to essential services, including police, paramilitary forces, medical services, fire and emergency services, postal services, and the press. Private vehicles carrying patients or dead bodies will also be allowed passage.
Further, the organizers have appealed to fellow Lothas and Naga brethren to understand their genuine demand and support their cause for improved road infrastructure and justice.