NPCC asks govt to clear poll duty dues

November 7, 2023 15 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 7 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has asked the Nagaland Government to resolve the issues arising out of the nonpayment of poll duty related dues which has resulted in a chakka Bandh by owners of commercial vehicles of Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Phek, Peren and Longleng districts.

A press release from the NPCC stated that this bandh is critically hindering the smooth movement of goods and people, thereby causing immense hardships to the inhabitants of the affected areas. A major part of the districts in question are logistic challenged by nature, and the last thing that we needed was human folly pilling on to the default list of hazards plaguing it year round, the party said.

The NPCC mirrored the sentiments of the aggrieved party in demanding the State Government to immediately release the dues owed to them and put an end to the inconveniences faced by the people of the affected districts.

Further, the party expressed concern that the State Government has still not handed over the ex gratia announced by it for the 8 deceased victims that lost their lives in the tragic accident that occurred in Kandinu on September 20 this year. “It is a matter of great sadness and collective shame that we find ourselves being necessitated to remind the government to uphold its promise,” it stated.

“Both the issues highlighted by us herein could have been easily addressed without having had to cause so much distress, with the most basic of interventions expected of any elected government,” the Congress stated. It hoped that the government “somehow finds within itself the ethical and moral wherewithal to aspire for a little bit more than they do now.”

Ao Senden, AKM stand with ACVOA
Meanwhile, the Ao Senden also issued a press release expressing solidarity with the All Commercial Vehicle Owners Association (ACVOA) in their ongoing chakka bandh protest against the Nagaland Government’s delay in disbursing payments for services rendered by ACVOA during the 2023 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election.

The Ao Senden urged the Government of Nagaland to act promptly and immediately release the sanctioned amount to the ACVOA, to ease the sufferings faced by them in particular and the general public at large.

The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) also expressed support for the bandh stating that the demands of the ACVOA are “justified, as they have rendered their services, and the government should promptly provide them with their rightfully earned dues.”

It meanwhile said that the public should not bear the brunt of these issues and urged the government to address these concerns swiftly and responsibly.

AKM calls for urgent action
The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) informed that it has conducted an assessment of the ongoing chakka bandh and said that its repercussions extend beyond the economic sphere, directly impacting the student community.

“We have observed that students who have been diligently attending schools and tuition centers are now enduring significant inconveniences due to the disruptions caused by the bandh. This disruption to the daily lives of students is a matter of great concern. Education forms the foundation of our society’s progress, and any hindrance to the educational pursuits of our youth can have long-lasting repercussions,” a press release from the AKM stated.

It added that the disruption caused by the bandh has also affected the daily lives of the public. Commuters face difficulties in reaching their workplaces, essential services are disrupted, and the availability of goods and services has been severely impacted. The prolonged chakka bandh has led to a decline in the overall quality of life for our community, the AKM rued.

It therefore asked the government to take immediate action in disbursement of the dues rightfully earned by the All Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (ACVOA).

Mkg DC directs fuel outlets
The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung has informed dealers of fuel outlets within Mokokchung town that in view of the chakka bandh, and in order to ensure that the district does not have shortage of fuel, all outlets should ensure that not more than 20 liters of fuel per light vehicles and 30 liter of fuel per heavy vehicle is issued. An order from the DC further directed that no fuel should be issued in jerry cans and containers of any form other than in the fuel tanks of vehicles.