“The role of organizations like Lotha Hoho or civil organizations is not to act as government authorities, but rather to advocate for justice on behalf of the people. While we don’t handle government procedures and formalities, we demand that the work be completed on time and according to specifications for the benefit of the community,” asserted Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman, Lotha Hoho during a press conference held today at Lotha Hoho ki, Wokha.
The Indefinite bandh imposed by the Lotha Civil Society Organizations reached the second day on February 9. The apex organization comprising of the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, Wokha District Village Council Chairman Association, Joint Action Committee, and Wokha Town Colonies’ Chairmen Union organizations, has demanded the government to start work in the ongoing two-lane construction of NH-2 (Old NH-61) from KM 72.40 to KM 83.00, Wokha district.
During the press conference, Ovung stated that the abandonment of the project by the contractors is their own responsibility. On withdrawal of manpower and machinery by the TTC Infra despite the Deputy CM’s order, the Chairman stated, “The responsibility lies with the District Administration, not Civil Society Organizations. The District Administration should handle acquisition and machinery procurement, as they have disbursed compensation. Civil society’s role is to advocate for justice, not to undertake these administrative tasks.”
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Addressing the impact on the student community, Ovung assured that students with proper admit cards will be exempted from the indefinite bandh. Responding to the TTC Infra statement regarding the instances of obstructions and physical abuse against the contractors, officials and agents, Chiben Kikon, JAC Convenor claimed that there might have been minor instances of manhandling and physical assault initially, however, such incidents have not occurred since the formation of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). “Instead, there has been cooperation to ensure the construction of a quality road. Regarding allegations of obstruction, it is stated that despite assurances from the District Administration and department officials, there have been delays or failures in fulfilling their promises, leading to frustration,” said Kikon. Further, interactions with senior officials and contractors were conducted during meetings. Kikon also appealed the allegations made to provide proof to substantiate their claims.
Further on the TTC Infra’s statement claim the absense of complains in their work, Kikon clarified that during a joint inspection conducted on May 22, 2023, involving the District Administration, concern department, Joint Action Committee (JAC), Lotha Hoho, LSU, and frontal organization, the Executive Engineer of the Kohima Division reportedly acknowledged the substandard quality of the work. “his serves as evidence to support the claim that the work done by the contractor was Indeed substandard,” stated Kikon.
Meanwhile, Mhathung Humtsoe, Vice Chairman of Lotha Hoho, demanded that the contractor and the department take immediate initiative to resume the work. “If there is no positive response, we will be left with no option but to intensify the bandh,” stated Humtsoe.
