Arunachal NEC road stopped for encroachment in Nagaland

DIPR Mon , January 12 The Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Mr. P. Paiwang Konyak made a visit to the ongoing road projects in the district of Mon.While inspecting the NEC road from Tizit to Arunachal boundary, it was learned that four culverts of the road have been constructed under the jurisdiction of Nagaland. In this connection Mr. Konyak directed the contractor to stop all construction within Nagaland jurisdiction. The Parliamentary Secretary accompanied by the deputy commissioner, ngo’s and public leaders informed the people that the purpose of his visit was not to create boundary issues between Arunachal and Nagaland but to inspect the progress and quality construction of roads under his constituency and said that there should be no misunderstanding of his visit to the border. At the same time he said that such encroachment construction contains potential to lead to border issues in the future between the two neighbours. While inspecting the 13 KM road under PM Package the team also discovered no work had started on the despite the contractor assuring the executive engineer, public works department (R&B) Mon, The contractor in a letter dated 10th May 2013 had stated the work would begin by Oct. or Nov. 2013 once the monsoon season stopped. Contrary to his letter he had not visited the site at all. In this regard the PWD department have been directed to enquire after the matter. Referring to the Foothill road connectivity, Konyak clarified, it does not come under is charge. However he urged the department concerned to expedite the survey and come up with the final decision. The team appreciated the contractor Mohan Singh Company for quality construction of road from Tizit to Arunachal border under NEC. At the same time the team expressed their displeasure over the slow progress of ongoing Mon – Namtola road. The team also discovered that the 2. 6 KM road between Yanpan and Sakho village allotted to the local contractors of Tizit was not constructed.This resulted in the team being forced to take a detour on the bumpy dusty road from Yanpan via Assam to reach Lokkhon to inspect the inter -state connectivity road. The village council Chairmen of Sakho and Lakhon were urged by the Parliamentary Secretary and the DC, Mon to direct the department concerned and the contractors to complete the road in time for the welfare of the people. Interacting with the people of Sakho and Lokkhon, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized on quality education as key to progress.. She appealed to the people to properly utilize the VDB fund for the community development. She also called upon the people to full support the Government and move forward with peace for development.