Kiphire, July 23 (MExN): The District Congress Committee (DCC), Kiphire, on July 23 intensified its criticism of the Naga People's Front (NPF) unit of the 60 Pungro-Kiphire Assembly Constituency over its defence of the condition of roads in Pungro, urging the state government to immediately begin restoration and reconstruction work.
In a statement, the DCC alleged that the NPF had sought to justify poor infrastructure instead of addressing the genuine concerns of residents by attributing public criticism to a lack of understanding of the "ground realities".
The Congress committee said residents of Pungro had endured poor road conditions for years despite repeated assurances from the ruling government, adding that development should be reflected in visible improvements rather than official statements.
Questioning the explanation that reconstruction had been delayed because of an ongoing land acquisition survey and assessment exercise, the DCC sought transparency on the status of the survey, its expected completion, funds allocated for the project and the timeline for commencement of construction.
It said administrative procedures should not become an excuse for prolonged delays while public infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
The DCC also referred to the NPF's acknowledgement that only minor repair and maintenance works had been carried out through the initiative of the Yimkhiung Youth Organisation (YYO) in collaboration with Likimro Enterprise and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
While appreciating the efforts of the organisations, the Congress committee said maintenance of public infrastructure was the responsibility of the government and not community organisations.
The DCC further said it was inappropriate for the ruling party to ask citizens to refrain from public criticism, asserting that constructive criticism is a constitutional right and an essential mechanism for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Instead of questioning the intentions of concerned citizens, the government should provide clear information on project approvals, budget utilisation, implementation schedules and the reasons behind the prolonged delay, it said, adding that accountability is demonstrated through action rather than rhetoric.
Reiterating its support for the people of Pungro, the DCC said it stood with their demand for quality infrastructure, transparent governance and timely execution of development works, and called upon the state government and the authorities concerned to move beyond explanations and immediately initiate concrete measures to restore and reconstruct the roads.
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