The indefinite suspension of commercial truck operations by the truck owners from Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Tuensang, and neighboring areas completed one week on Monday, August 5. The truck owners suspended their operations effective last Monday, July 29, citing worsening road conditions. As a result, commercial trucks have no longer been plying from Mariani, Amguri, and Jorhat to Mokokchung and beyond since then.
The truck owners say they resolved to suspend operations after numerous complaints about the terrible state of the roads went unaddressed, leading to increased vehicle damage and rising vehicle maintenance costs.
In response to the suspension, a meeting was held on Tuesday, July 30, involving the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mokokchung, the Truck Owners’ Union, contractors, Ao Senden, and EE PWD (NH) Mokokchung Division aimed at expediting ongoing road repair and maintenance works.
Following this, the Ao Senden, along with representatives from the Truck Owners’ Union and the PWD (NH), inspected NH 702D (Mariani Road) and NH 02 (Amguri Road) on Monday, August 5. It is reported that the condition of both roads was found to be deplorable. Consequently, the truck owners are learned to have reiterated their stance.
Meanwhile, the stock of essential commodities and fuel in the affected towns is reported to be dwindling.
At last week’s meeting, the contractor was apprised to speed up the ongoing repair and maintenance works by prioritizing the most deplorable locations to make the road pliable for commuters and trucks transporting essential commodities. However, as per the latest reports, there has been no improvement in the condition of the roads. A formal report on the August 5 inspection is awaited.