KSU puts 2nd phase agitation on hold

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 26 (MExN): The Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) has suspended its proposed second phase of agitation after the Nagaland Public Works Department (PWD) (Roads & Bridges) agreed to hold a joint meeting with the union and the concerned contractor on October 28 at Noklak to address issues surrounding two road projects.In a communiqué, the KSU said it was keeping the agitation in abeyance following the department’s request and assurance that its three-point demands would be addressed during the meeting.The department, through a letter issued by the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), Er H Vihokhe Sema, acknowledged the issues raised by the Union concerning the construction of the 31-km Jendang Saddle-Noklak-Pangsha road, Phase II, and the 14.54-km Noklak-Thonoknyu road via Sanglo.The department proposed a joint meeting with the contractor and the KSU on October 28 “to have an in-depth discussion on the issues flagged by the KSU and to find an amicable settlement.” The meeting is expected to be attended by the Engineer-in-Chief, NPWD; the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B); a representative from the department’s technical cell; and Rokoulhou Angami, proprietor of M/s Naagaamii Infratech Pvt Ltd, the contractor.In its response to the department, the KSU said it was willing to participate in the meeting provided the Chief Engineer and the contractor or firm owner were personally present and the department was prepared to address its three demands.These include details of land compensation that led to the closure of the road project, identification of the non-governmental organisations or other organisations responsible for halting work for four years, and details of the sanctioned amount utilised for construction, including the specific areas or locations where the funds were spent.“Until these demands are satisfactorily addressed and the necessary information is provided, the Union will continue with the proposed agitation,” the KSU stated in its letter dated October 25.However, following the department’s assurance that the three demands would be taken up during the meeting, the Union subsequently announced that it was keeping the second phase of the agitation in abeyance, nullifying its earlier communiqué dated October 24.The KSU said it had accepted the department’s request “in good faith” and looked forward to a fruitful meeting on the scheduled date.