Mokokchung: OKM issues 15-day ultimatum for repairing New Market stretch road

The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM), in a letter dated 24 March 2025, addressed to the Principal Director of the Department of Urban Development, has demanded an “immediate response within 15 days” regarding the critical repairs of the Rotary Junction to IOC Road (or commonly called as New Market stretch road) in Mokokchung town.

The OKM has called for a “comprehensive, time-bound response detailing concrete action plans, resource allocation, and an implementation schedule for the complete repair of this vital road segment within 15 days of receipt of this letter.”

The student body warned that failure to meet this deadline would compel them to explore all available democratic means to ensure that the concerns of citizens are addressed and their fundamental right to safe infrastructure is upheld.

“The credibility of your department is at stake,” the OKM stated, adding, “We trust that you will accord this matter the serious attention it deserves and respond with the urgency it demands.”

The OKM also highlighted that “the community’s patience has reached its breaking point” as they have been inundated with complaints and expressions of frustration from citizens.

They further pointed out that the deteriorating infrastructure has resulted in: a significant and imminent risk of serious vehicular accidents; Extensive damage to both public and private vehicles; Severe traffic congestion, particularly during school hours; Potentially life-threatening delays in emergency response times; and Substantial economic losses affecting local businesses and residents.

It may be noted that on August 31, 2024, the OKM had convened a joint meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and officials from the Urban Development Department, during which the department gave “verbal assurances” that repairs would commence during the dry season.

However, the OKM expressed disappointment that even after more than six months, no tangible action has been taken, nor has any formal communication been issued regarding an implementation plan.

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