Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 8
Chief Minister TR Zeliang has sought to bridge the gap between the NFHRCC and the department of Roads and Bridges by assuring the former that he would direct the Cabinet sub-committee – formed specifically to resolve the imbroglio – to have a second sitting with the NFHRCC at the earliest.
Zeliang made this assurance to the NFHRCC at Kohima on July 28 last, officials of NFHRCC told newsmen here today. During the meeting, the NFHRCC also submitted a three-point memorandum to the Chief Minister.
The Cabinet sub-committee is headed by Home Minister Y Patton and consists of fellow legislators, Dr Benjongliba, Kipili Sangtam, CL John and P Longon. Prior to the submission of the memorandum, the NFHRCC members had apprised the CM “of the brief history of Nagaland Foot Hill Road Construction.” On the same day, the NFHRCC members also had a joint meeting with Dr Benjongliba and the new Commissioner and Secretary of Roads and Bridges department CT Sangtam. The outcome was positive and the duo had assured to fully cooperate with the Committee, according to NFHRCC officials.
Meanwhile, in a meeting held today the NFHRCC reaffirmed its decision to go along with its recommended contractors through thick and thin. It appealed to the contractors concerned “not to feel isolated” while stating that it is fully united to stand steadfast and face any eventualities.
It further urged upon the R&B department not to divert the fund meant for the construction of the foothills road to any other project.
The NFHRCC also informed that they have finally obtained official information about the identity of the armed person caught by police on June 30 last, during the NFHRCC-called bandh which had turned violent.
“Despite repeated prayers and appeals, the district administration and the police choose to ignore the same. Thus, in the circumstances, having no option available we applied for information under RTI and ultimately on July 28, 2014, the SP and PIO Dimapur issued the necessary information.”
Copies of the reply from SP Dimapur were made available to the press, which revealed that 40-year-old Khotso Yalie was arrested on that day with one .22 pistol, magazine, four live rounds, one wooden club and one litre of diluted whiskey.
