USLP found no evidence of a 10% NH-202 compensation deduction, but said action could follow if evidence emerges
DIMAPUR — The United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) has stated that it found no evidence to substantiate allegations that Kiphire Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer sought a 10% deduction from compensation paid to landowners affected by the NH-202 project.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation said its five-member fact-finding committee found that affected landowners in Longmatra had denied being asked, verbally or in writing, to surrender any part of their compensation. Phelungre Village Council also reported receiving no such information, it stated.
The inquiry was prompted by allegations circulated on social media in a letter dated October 1 by Tsathrise Rudy, also known as Tsathrise Sangtam, accusing the deputy commissioner of misconduct.
Among five allegations, the USLP stated that the claim of a 10% deduction to meet expenses for releasing compensation funds was of particular concern to it as people in four areas under its jurisdiction could be affected.
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According to the organisation, it had invited Rudy to produce evidence at a meeting on October 8. He declined, stating in a reply dated October 7 that he would not disclose the evidence to a third party, it stated.
Subsequently, a five-member committee representing the organisation and its frontal bodies was formed on October 8 to investigate the alleged deduction. It submitted its report on October 16, following which the USLP discussed the findings at a meeting on October 17.
The organisation informed that a door-to-door inquiry in Kiphire town also resulted in declarations from affected individuals denying that they had received any verbal or written notice about a 10% deduction.
The USLP said it had found no indication that the DC had sought such a deduction, but added that disciplinary action could be initiated if evidence supporting the allegation emerged.
It also stated the other four allegations against the deputy commissioner would be taken up with him, adding that the state government should take corrective action if those allegations were found to be true.