In a public statement and clarification to WATSAN committee today, the NTPRADAO stated that it was “highly amused” and “has seriously pondered” by the fact that the Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committee’s numbering around 20 Villages under PHED Dimapur Urban Division has clarified that all Civil Works under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) were being supervised and successfully implemented by respective village WATSAN Committee’s and were now awaiting release of the pending bills for the works already completed.

“The NTPRADAO reiterate to stand by its public statement and resolves that the charge remains of the PHED misappropriation and siphoning off a major chuck out of the Mega 1649.35 Crores JJM SCAM. The NTPRADAO shall stick to its demand of an SIT/Departmental Inquiry Commission for complete transparency and fair public trail in the JJM SCAM matter,” stated the Organisation.

The NTPRADAO Informed that it is fully gearing up to launch a mass protest/agitation demanding the resignation of PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi, immediate suspension of PHED Principal Secretary Mhombemo Patton, IAAS and immediate filing of cases against Repangyangba Longkumer and N.Thsathrichem Sangtam, former Chief Engineers. It further demanded for the immediate suspension of all the then Executive Engineers who already served and present EE’s who are serving and are involved in corrupt practices

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“Regarding the threat the WATSAN COMMITTEE’S cautioned against the NTPRADAO on 16^th December, 2024 that if Jal Shakti Ministry withheld the remaining JJM Funding due to the PHED; that those few WATSAN COMMITTEE’S would hold the NTPRADAO responsible and that all pending bills would have to be borne by NTPRADAO. The NTPRADAO counters that such an assertion by the concern WATSAN COMMITTEE’S is unwarranted and is “wholly illegal, illogical and nonsensical” and that such an “legally untenable, baseless and absurd” cautioning by the some WATSAN against NTPRADAO will never ever “hold water” even upto the extent of fighting in the SUPREME COURT,” added the Organisation.

The NTPRADAO further stated that the matter will de-escalate if the PHED announces the SIT/DIC as stated officially by PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi in a live press conference on 20^th October, 2024.

It further affirmed its fight for the rights of more than 1400 Villages in Nagaland. “Whatever some few WATSAN COMMITTEE’S says shall not end the matter and diffuse the escalating situation, which is heading towards a worse case scenario,” cautioned the NTPRADAO.