Dimapur, Nov. 20 (EMN): The Mokokchung District Truck Owners’ Association (MDTOA) has reiterated its decision to stay off Mokokchung-bound roads, starting 6 am of November 21.
The truckers association issued another press statement on Monday announcing its decision to ‘strongly enforce the chakkha bandh from Tuesday, November 21 2017 from 6 am onwards’. “This chakka bandh will be indefinite and no commercial vehicles – trucks and pick-up trucks - will be allowed to ply on NH-702D (Mokokchung – Mariani and also Mokokchung-Amguri road.
“No commercial vehicles, the trucks and pickup trucks, will be allowed to ply in Mokokchung district. The chakkha bandh will go on till the concerned authorities (sic) – the district administration and the PWD department – ensure that the National Highway 702D (Mokokchung-Mariani) is repaired or improved. This Mokokchung-Mariani road (NH-702D) is the main economic lifeline of the people of Mokokchung and its sisters districts (sic); therefore the MDTOA strongly reiterates that this road should be repaired,” the statement read.
It cautioned traders ‘not to take advantage of the chakka bandh by hiking the prices of essential commodities’. “The MDTOA strongly reiterates that this chakkha bandh is being called in the greater interest of the Naga public in our just demand for better roads and for the safety of our drivers, handymen and the commuters.
“The MDTOA also declares that the association will not take responsibility for any loss or damage of properties during the bandh period. The MDTOA has already informed all concerned about the impending bandh. Therefore, if any truckers or businessmen try to impede the bandh, and if there is consequences of any kind, then the MDTOA will not take responsibility but it will be the responsibility of the district administration and the state government alone.”
While expressing concern at the plight of people, and their difficulties in the aftermath of the bandh, the association stated that the move was ‘a last resort.’
“Through this bandh, the association hopes that the state government will open their eyes and come to the rescue of the people. After all, the MDTOA cannot risk the lives of our drivers and handymen and also our vehicles simply because of the lackadaisical attitude of the concerned authorities.
“The MDTOA also deeply appreciates the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT), the All Ward Union Mokokchung and the Pick-up Trucks Union, Mokokchung for their support towards our just cause and their unflinching support towards our strong demand for better roads.”
