Representatives of Aren Enterprises and the Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Mangkolemba, held a meeting on Thursday over the controversy surrounding the Khelo India-funded “Multipurpose Hall, Mangkolemba”, with representatives of the executing firm reportedly stating that the hall had been constructed at the wrong “location”.
The development came during a meeting held at the MTSU Conference Hall, Mangkolemba, on August 13, following the CSO’s demand for clarification and records concerning the project.
According to the minutes of the meeting, recorded in the Ao Naga language, an “Affidavit Agreement” was also signed between representatives of Aren Enterprises and the CSO.
Contractor seeks additional time
As per a rough translation of the agreement, representatives of Aren Enterprises requested additional time until 11 am on August 18, stating that the contractor was out of station.
Following deliberations, the CSO agreed to grant the requested time. The agreement states that, in the meantime, the CSO would continue to pursue the matter and take such steps as it deemed necessary.
It further states that if Aren Enterprises failed to appear before the CSO at 11 am on August 18, the four representatives of the firm who attended the August 13 meeting would bear responsibility for the failure and “abide by and accept” whatever decision or course of action the CSO might take.
The four representatives of Aren Enterprises who signed the agreement were Monglu Jamir, L. Wati Kichu, Tongpang Jamir and Menangnuchet Longchar.
Representing the CSO were I Tia Jamir, Convenor, CSO Mangkolemba, and Takutemsu, Secretary, Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem (MALT).
Location at centre of dispute
The latest development follows the Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem’s (MALT) July 22 notice to Aren Enterprises, in which the organisation said it was “unable to identify or locate” the multipurpose hall within Mangkolemba town as described in the project documents.
MALT had sought clarification on the project’s exact location and execution, along with the approved site plan, completion records, handing-over documents, geo-tagged photographs and other relevant records. Aren Enterprises was given 15 days to respond.
After the firm did not appear or respond within the stipulated period, the CSO approached the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mangkolemba, on August 10 and gave the firm a further three-day period to appear and provide the requested clarification and records.
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The government, meanwhile, issued a clarification on August 11, stating that the project was executed at an approved geo-tagged location in Longtho village under the Mangkolemba circle.
The Youth Resources and Sports Directorate said the July 2024 work order mentioned “Mangkolemba” along with the coordinates 26°29’45.103 N and 94°22’13.533 E, which fall in Longtho. The same coordinates, he said, were incorporated into the Detailed Project Report approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The Directorate said the site had been verified through a Land Availability Certificate and NOC, while a Project Monitoring Committee comprising state government officials and a representative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports/SAI certified 100 per cent completion of the project.
It also clarified that “Multi Purpose Hall, Mangkolemba” was the nomenclature approved by the ministry and that the location had not been described as Mangkolemba ADC headquarters or Mangkolemba town.
The reported statement by the contractor’s representatives that the hall was constructed at the wrong “location” now adds a new element to the dispute, which has so far centred on the difference between the project’s official nomenclature and its stated physical location.
Aren Enterprises is expected to appear before the CSO at 11 am on August 18.
