DIMAPUR, JUNE 5 (MExN): The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur has written to the Engineer-in-Chief, Roads and Bridges urging for the construction of the Foothill Road which stretches from Niuland in Dimapur to Tizit under Mon District. The representation, signed by Supu Jamir, President and C. Onen Walling, General Secretary, has called for prompt intervention and necessary action.
The ASTD has given a period of 30 days starting today to respond to its representation while pointing out that if “no positive response is made within the stipulated time frame the same will be treated as rejection of our prayer”. The ASTD stated that it would be compelled to initiate its own course of action in the interest of the public so as to “liberate and emancipate our people from the yoke of inhuman treatment and atrocities”.
Pointing out that the “Nagaland Foothill Road” has been “gathering dust for almost 40 years”, the ASTD expressed pain that the State, which is going to complete 50 years is “still limping on the cactus coupled with humiliations on our neighboring road”. “Surprisingly, it appears that the popular government is not fully conscious about the present state of affairs”, stated the ASTD while reminding that under no circumstances the popular government can shy away from its bounden duties.
It was also explained that the Foothill Road has been “under the shadow of death for almost 40 years and in view of which particularly the citizens of six districts: Zunheboto, Tuensang, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Mon are forced to rub their skin against the rough wall of unreasonable harassments”.
The ASTD stated that at the time of bandhs called by different organizations in neighboring states, “we often get the lion share, owing to non availability of alternative road” and “therefore, there is absolutely no means available to salvage the innocent public from the shackle of inhuman treatment.” It added that in this regard, the May 24 Mariani incident “is the clear pointer”.
The ASTD also observed that the number of vehicles in Nagaland is rapidly increasing. In regard to this, it stated “We don't have roads to roll on; therefore there is absolutely no logic for procuring luxurious vehicles”. It added, “Instead, a sizeable amount should be cut from the handsome budgetary provision allocated for procuring expensive vehicles and the same could be judiciously utilized for road constructions.” It stated that no vehicle, howsoever sophisticated can ply without roads.
It went on to state that for the last 50 years, Nagaland has been “under the mercy of our neighboring state.” Stating that there is a Proverb which says “if you are not wise within fifties you will never be wise”, the ASTD pointed out that Nagaland is going to celebrate 50 years of statehood on December 1 without road. “Then, are we qualified to be called wise?” it questioned. The ASTD stated that it would be wise to wake up and to do the needful at earliest.
.jpg)
