The apex civil society organizations (CSOs) within Wokha district along with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed by various bodies of Wokha village has imposed an indefinite bandh along NH-2 following the failure of the authorities to comply to their demands for road construction. The CSOs include Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, Wokha District Village Council Chairmen Association, Joint Action Committee, Wokha Town Colonies’ Chairmen Union, and All Commercial Vehicle Association, Wokha.

A five-days ultimatum was served to Deputy Commissioner Wokha on February 2 for starting work in the ongoing two-lane construction of NH-2 (Old NH-61) from KM 72.40 to KM 83.00, Wokha district. However, the CSOs claimed that the failure of the authorities including the District Administration, Department of National Highways Nagaland and the Concerned Contractor (TTC Infra India) to start the work after expiry of said ultimatum, has compelled the CSOs to announce indefinite bandh of the National Highway passing through Wokha district with effect from February 8, 6 am.

“The indefinite bandh shall be lifted only after our demands are met including addressing our various grievances which have already been submitted in our numerous correspondences and negotiations with the concerned authorities, and immediate commencement of said work which has been arbitrarily stopped,” stated the press communique.

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The CSOs has banned entry of all vehicles coming from other districts into Wokha district, and has requested all citizens planning to travel through Wokha district to take note and make their travel plans accordingly. “Except for Government Registered vehicles, intra-district vehicular movement shall be allowed,” added the CSOs.

The Indefinite bandh exempts:  police, paramilitary forces, medical services including ambulances and private vehicles carrying patients or dead bodies, fire and emergency services, postal services and the press.

“We earnestly appeal all fellow Lothas in particular and our Naga brethren in general to understand our genuine demand for realizing our right to have good roads, and to extend us your kind cooperation and support in our fight for justice,” appealed the CSOs.