NTTU suspends economic blockade

May 4, 2022 51 Views No Comment

Govt initiates joint consultative meeting on May 5

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 4

Against the backdrop of the state government’s assurance to bring about an “amicable solution” in the tussle between the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) and Peren civil society organisations, the NTTU has temporarily suspended its indefinite economic blockade on Peren district.

Mid-way into the second day of the blockade, the decision to temporarily lift the blockade was taken around noon on Tuesday after an emergency meeting of NTTU and affiliated unit members at one of the blockade sites near Molvom village at the Dimapur-Peren border.

In the meeting, NTTU leaders informed its members and volunteers that the state government had in a circular dated May 3, requested NTTU to lift the blockade in view of a joint consultative meeting convened by the state Home Commissioner on May 5.

The official circular issued by assistant commissioner (HQ), Benjamin Longkap, stated that a “consultative meeting between the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union and civil societies under Peren district is hereby convened on May 5 at 11 am at the conference hall, Commissioner, Nagaland.”

The circular informed the Deputy Commissioner Peren, District Forest officer Peren, ADC Jalukie and representatives of NTTU, Nagaland Zeliang Peoples’ Organisation, Zeliangrong Baudi (N), Liangmei Council (N), Zeme Council (N), Zeliangrong Students Union (N) to attend the meeting without fail.

“Further, the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union is requested to lift the economic blockade in view of the consultative meeting fixed whereby all issues pertaining to the present matter would be discussed for amicable solution,” the circular stated.

In the meeting, NTTU leaders prevailed upon some of the disgruntled log contractors and volunteers to respect and accept the invitation of the government for an amicable solution by sitting across the table.

However, all members of NTTU and affiliated units also resolved that they would resume the blockade with more vigour if the proposed meeting failed to agree to the genuine demands of NTTU.

SDO (Civil) Medziphema, Tokai Sumi, who was also present at the blockade site along with DBs and police personnel, also suggested the NTTU members to lift the blockade in view of the proposed meeting.

“Since the Home Commissioner has initiated a consultative meeting and NTTU was also willing to attend the meeting, in the meantime there is not much point in continuing with the blockade,” the SDO said.

Tokai added that without negotiation, there cannot be a solution. He said if NTTU members were not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, then it was up to them to take further steps to express their grievances.

Commotion at blockade site
Meanwhile, an unpleasant commotion which could have turned for the worse was witnessed at the blockade site today. Just as the on-the-site emergency meeting concluded with NTTU members deciding to temporarily suspend the economic blockade in view of the state government appeal, an unexpected turn of event took place.

Some unidentified 4-5 youths in two small vehicles came from Peren site and descended at the blockade site and started hurling abusive and harsh words against the NTTU members and volunteers. The youths even questioned the role of the Chümoukedima district administration and police personnel. District administration official, police and NTTU leaders put in all efforts to control the situation. However, when on the unidentified youth holding a large stone in his hand attempted to tear down the banner put up by NTTU volunteers, the volunteers lost their cool and confronted the youths. After a brief scuffle, the youths and their vehicles were directed to head back.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nttu-suspends-economic-blockade