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Warning signs put up by the Kuda Youth Club at the Dhansiri Bridge.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Feb. 9: The Kuda Village Union (KVU) and the Kuda Youth Club (KYC) have acknowledged the Dimapur deputy commissioner’s order dated Jan. 27 stating that no vehicle or pedestrian should commute via the Dhansiri Bridge located at “B khel” at Kuda village; and that anyone would be doing so at own risk.
The KVC and KYC stated that they shall take no responsibility if any mishap occurs even though it is under their jurisdiction. Earlier, the KYC had taken the initiative to build makeshift gates at both ends of the bridge to regulate movement of vehicles. Only in cases of emergencies were the vehicles allowed to pass.
“But many citizens of Dimapur seem to be still commuting via the bridge comprising mostly of pedestrians especially school children,” said a member of the KYC.
According to a source, the makeshift gates installed by the youth were burnt three times by miscreants from nearby villages who had been affected by the closure of the bridge. The KYC took initiative in repairing it, and blocked the movement of vehicles again.
It was also alleged that ‘a few drunken’ autorickshaw drivers threatened a member of the club demanding that the gate remain closed and not to open it for any vehicular movement as that would mean “passengers on either side will minimise if the bridge is opened.” These actions are said to have put both the KVU and the KYC in a difficult position. Their only choice left was to wash their hands off any issue connected with the bridge, the source said.
The bridge is now open at both ends but cautionary posters have been put up by the youth.
“It is up to the district administration as to what step they want to take next regarding the bridge,” said a reliable source from the union. “If they want to close (the bridge) permanently, let them.” a leader of the KYC said.