Striking truckers refuse to call off Mokokchung bandh

Dimapur, Nov. 21 (EMN): The ‘indefinite’ bandh on movement of commercial vehicles in Mokokchung district began on Tuesday even as the Mokokchung district administration’s attempt at persuading the truckers to ‘postpone’ their strike remain futile.
A press release from the Mokokchung District Truck Owners’ Association (MDTOA) – the group spearheading the protest – informed that it has decided to reject the Mokokchung deputy commissioner’s appeal to ‘psotpone’ the bandh.
“The MDTOA appreciates the esteemed office of the Mokokchung district administration, and also understands the plight of the people because of this bandh. But, this chakka bandh has been called as a last resort. The MDTOA strongly asserts that unless and until the concerned authorities (sic) repair/improve the National Highway 702D (Mariani – Mokokchung road), this chaakha bandh will continue.
“The MDTOA appreciates the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Sushil Kumar Patel for calling a meeting and discussing the issue on November 21, 2017. However, the MDTOA refuses to accept your appeal for a postponing the chakkha bandh, and request for more time till November 30, 2017,” it announced.
The association expressed regret for its ‘inability to comply to’ to the deputy commissioner’s request.