The annexure to this note, a copy of the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court Judgement dated 11.10.10, with copies to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Nagaland, clearly states that private vehicles cannot be requisitioned under the Assam Requisition and Control of Vehicles Act, 1968. In this regard it is requested that the concerned authority clarify if the Act is different for Nagaland. If so, why did the Hon’ble High Court issue copies to the CS and DGP, Nagaland? It is understood that there are two categories of private vehicles; those solely for personal use and those used for commercial activities. It is felt that vehicles are being randomly requisitioned without compunction.
As mentioned in an earlier article in our local dailies, the State Government owns a massive fleet of thousands of vehicles of various categories, particularly SUV’s. In addition our overcrowded streets are over-populated with commercial vehicles such as local and regional taxis, buses, goods carriers, etc. through our uncontrolled distribution of permits. These, surely are more than enough for the elections of this small state!
Many professionals, teachers, etc. are totally dependent on their personal vehicles. Buses of academic institutions too are not spared now. Does this mean that academic activities should cease for the entire duration of almost two weeks for the elections? Our priorities appear to have been misplaced somewhere in our haste and ineptness.
Prof. G.T. Thong
