Opposition leader alleges lawlessness in Nagaland

Dimapur, Aug. 28 (EMN): Leader of opposition, TR Zeliang, has alleged lawlessness in Nagaland and has attributed the present situation to negligence of the state government and failing to coming up with concrete measures to curb it. Zeliang was reacting to recent report on harassment of workers and theft of machineries by anti-social elements belonging to contractors engaging in the construction of 4-lane Dimapur-Kohima national highway and bringing the works to a halt. Stating that the ongoing 4-lane construction of Dimapur-Kohima NH is the first and among the most important national projects in Nagaland, Zeliang said once the project is completed it would immensely benefit the citizens of the state including commuters from neighbouring states passing through the capital city of Kohima and the state’s commercial hub, Dimapur. Pointing out that land-owners and civil societies were supportive for the successful implementation of such important projects, Zeliang has questioned the problem and difficulty on the part of the government machineries to initiate obligatory action in ensuring safety of workers and machineries? He said the state government, instead of remaining a mute spectator, must immediately carry out investigations and book the culprits and initiate appropriate action against such elements. He added that the state authority should perform its bounden duty by instilling sense of security among its citizens and not only pay attention on responsibilities where commissions and kick-backs exist. He said the construction of the 4-lane along NH 29 from Chathe Bridge (Patkai College junction) to Piphema coming to a halt was not due to anti-social activities alone. He rather alleged that negligence of the state government in creating conducive atmosphere and failure in coming up with concrete measures to curb such menace had contributed to the present day situation. “What otherwise, explains the failure of recovering vehicles despite filing of FIRs? Doesn’t it portray the ineffectiveness of government machineries?” Zeliang asked. “We talk a lot about good roads but if government of the day fails to protect workers of such major projects on an open national highway, how can we expect to have sustainable roads in other parts of the state? Not only is it the bounden duty of the state government to check on the contractors for quality of work and timely completion of the project as per contractual agreement but providing safety and security as and when required, is equally important,” he added. In the light of the above stated circumstances, Zeliang said the state government must immediately initiate appropriate measures and ensure that the 4-laning works along NH-29 is completed on time without any further hindrance.