The Nagaland Transparency Public Rights and Development Association Organisation (NTPRADAO) has revealed its next course of action, accusing the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of failing to honor its commitment to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a Departmental Inquiry Commission. This assurance was reportedly given by PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi during a live press conference on October 20, 2024.
In a press statement, NTPRADAO criticized the alleged inaction by the PHED and outlined a multi-pronged strategy to escalate its demands, vowing to sustain its agitation until a “significant and impactful resolution” is achieved.
The organization announced that its initial step will involve submitting a letter to the BJP National President and the Prime Minister, along with what it describes as “relevant JJM scam documents.” The letter will demand the resignation of PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi on moral grounds and call for a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into Principal Secretary Mhonthamo Patton.
As a second step, NTPRADAO plans to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Nagaland, detailing alleged corruption in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The organization intends to request that the memorandum be forwarded to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Union Minister for Jal Shakti.
The organization also announced its intent to mobilize public support for protests and mass agitations. It will demand the immediate resignation of the PHED Minister and the suspension of Principal Secretary Mhonthamo Patton. Additionally, NTPRADAO seeks legal action against former PHED Chief Engineers Repangyangba Longkumer and N Thsathrichem Sangtam, who served between 2019–2023. The group has also called for the suspension of all current and former Executive Engineers alleged to have engaged in corrupt practices during the same period.