Four-lane road harassment: Government response to extortion, threats disappoint Acaut; demands immediate arrest

Dimapur, Aug. 26 (EMN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (Acaut) Nagaland has expressed disappointment at the response of the Government of Nagaland to the extortion and life threats faced by contractors and workers of Asian Highway-1, on the ongoing four-lane road (Nagaland sector).

A press statement issued by the Acaut media cell on Sunday demanded that the government immediately arrest “these rogue elements/entities and expose their identity.”

The Acaut reminded that the extortion and harassment meted to the laborers is not a new phenomenon but has been going on since the work started.

“In fact cases of extortion and harassment was also reported in the year 2017, the Western Angami Public organization too had passed resolution that no entity shall be allowed to disturb the four-lane road project,” the Acaut stated.

Stating that the Acaut in it press release on June 28, requested ‘the NNPG’s to give an public undertaking to the people of Nagaland that it will not in any way disturb the ongoing important dream road project for the welfare of the general public,’ the Acaut said the govt. ‘getting upset’ over the reporting of extortion, robbery and harassment to workers and contractors is unjustified.

It requested the government to ensure the safety of the contractors and workers for smooth execution of work.

“The Acaut Nagaland is also bewildered that in spite of the huge support and prayer of the people of Nagaland for smooth and unhindered completion of the road there are still some rogue elements and anti- social elements stealing on the site working vehicles, in their greed and selfishness is a challenge to the people of Nagaland,” the press release stated.

Further, the Acaut requested the public to create a congenial atmosphere and extend all possible cooperation for the ongoing work.