The All Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Associations of Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Longleng, Phek (ANTA) and Peren (ANTA) Districts have jointly declared an indefinite “Chakka Bandh” set to commence on 3 November 2023 (Friday) at 5:00 am. The decision comes as a result of unresolved payment disputes for bills spanning ten months, specifically from January to October 2023. The associations demand the disbursement of commercial fares incurred during the 2023 NLA Election.
The associations have informed that the indefinite “Chakka Bandh” will continue until pending payments are cleared, taking a firm stance against unnecessary government revocation letters. The Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Associations remain steadfast in their demand for the settlement of unpaid bills.
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Expressed deep frustration with the government, the associations emphasized that the commercial vehicle owners, who provided essential services during the NLA election in 2023, not “as wealthy as the government”, as they rely on daily earnings. The associations have pointed out that operating without payment for ten consecutive months has caused severe hardships, not only for the association members but also for the general public. They have informed that broken promises and government’s inaction have left the associations in a state of anger and disappointment and therefore demanded the immediate settlement of unpaid bills to relieve their financial struggles.
Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Associations have been vocal in their appeals, both verbal, written and had submitted a petition dated 22nd June 2023 and even issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nagaland Government on 28th September 2023, but received no response.
It may also be recalled that a previous announcement of an indefinite “Chakka Bandh” was made on 9 October 2023 from the four districts along with Peren and Phek (ANTA) but the bandh was revoked when the Government of Nagaland issued an urgent appeal on 8th October 2023 promising payment of pending bills by 31st October 2023.
Proposed Chakka Bandh on October 9 called off following government’s assurances
