The ‘Chakka Bandh,’ organized by the All Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (ACVOA) from Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, and Longleng, has completed its second day and is poised to enter its third day on Sunday. The association has confirmed that the bandh will persist on Sunday.
The bandh is a response to the government’s failure to settle the payments for private vehicle hiring charges requisitioned during the State Assembly Election 2023 by the promised deadline of October 31. On Thursday, November 2, the Government of Nagaland approved an amount of Rs 11,62,00,000 for these payments. Nevertheless, the ACVOA continued with the bandh, citing a lack of trust in the government’s assurances.
Lanu Sangtam, the president of the Truck Union Tuensang, emphasized that the union has rigorously adhered to the bandh and will continue to do so until the dues are disbursed. In Tuensang, many trucks that entered the district on the eve of the bandh found themselves stranded. However, Sangtam pointed out that they have allowed petrol carriers to operate upon request, as this would also impact private vehicle owners.
Sangtam noted that the bandh has already had a noticeable impact on the market, with diminishing stock levels. He also mentioned that the union is receiving support from the public, who share in their frustration with the government’s delayed response. Sangtam further suggested that there have been discussions about intensifying the bandh from Monday if the government fails to respond positively.
Akheto Shohe, the Truck Union president in Zunheboto, expressed that they have diligently observed the bandh for the past two days and will continue to do so. He highlighted the adverse effects on the market, particularly the absence of a fresh supply of vegetables. Shohe vented his frustration, stating, “Because all commercial vehicles are banned, there is no transportation, and we understand that the public is grappling with these difficulties. However, the government has yet to provide a positive response. They initially promised to make the payment on October 31, but it is now November 4, and the promise remains unfulfilled.” Regarding the potential shortage of petrol, he anticipated that petrol stations might experience shortages by Monday. He also mentioned their intent to engage in discussions aimed at escalating the bandh.
C Tony Yajem, President of ANTA Longleng, asserted that the bandh will persist until their demands are met. He conveyed how the government’s delayed response has caused financial and physical distress for them. Yajem stated that starting from Sunday, they plan to halt the operation of the Nagaland State Transport (NST) as passengers continue to board it, signifying that the government is profiting at their expense.
He emphasized the detrimental impact on the public and the grievances they are enduring. Yajem acknowledged that some passengers are stranded in Dimapur, and various businesses, including clothing stores and those in need of hardware and other essentials, are affected. He further mentioned the significant impact on the market, with some poultry and fish stocks spoiling in the stranded vehicles and a shortage of vegetables like chili and tomatoes.
“Until 5 o’clock, we had members of the public coming to our office, along with Dobashis, requesting that we end the bandh. We also received a request from a headmaster to transport some children to Dimapur. Additionally, people from hostels and schools in need of water have approached us,” Yajem explained.
However, he clarified that they will not lift the bandh unless the government provides them with assurance. “The moment the government conveys, ‘Come to the office and collect your dues,’ we will immediately lift the bandh,” he added.
President of ANTA Peren district, Ngaouloibe John, conveyed that they called off the bandh following the home department’s sanction order. John stated that they will wait for a while to assess whether the government fulfills their demands.
Khosatso Venuh, President of ANTA Phek district, clarified that their district lacks a commercial union, and only Sumo vehicles are present. As a result, they have not initiated the bandh in response to the sanction order. Nevertheless, Venuh mentioned their intention to wait until approximately November 7 and, if the government still fails to meet their demands, they will join the bandh.
ANTA Mokokchung District President Tongpang affirmed their unwavering commitment to the bandh, which continues unabated. He pointed out that the market in Mokokchung is likely to experience shortages in poultry, fish, fresh vegetables, and petrol. He further mentioned that there have been reports of people rushing to buy fuel at petrol pumps out of fear that it might run out.
Meanwhile, sources within the government have maintained that the transaction takes time but expressed assurance that the matter will be resolved by next week.
MTLT appeals government to solve the ACVOA issue
Mokokchung, 4 November (MTNews): The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (Mokokchung Town Youth Organization), in response to the ‘chakka bandh’ called by the All Commercial Vehicle Owners Association (ACVOA), has termed the demands of the latter as justified.
“They have rendered their service in the last Assembly Election 2023; and the government should give them what is due to them,” emphasized the MTLT.
The MTLT further pointed out that consideration should be given to the fact that all commercial vehicles will be requisitioned for duty in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024. Therefore, the demands of the All Commercial Vehicle Owners Association should be met at the earliest.
“The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem is cognizant of the issue at hand and strongly believes that the public should not suffer because of this issue,” added the MTLT and appealed to the State Government to reach out and solve the issue at the earliest.