Dissension over demolition drive

Nine out of the twenty three elected members of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) have alleged that the ongoing demolition drive of DMC was “improper and without procedure” and that the DMC as a whole had no knowledge about the drive.
The nine members including Hokivi Chishi, Tovihoto Ayemi, Y Vikheho Awomi, Hejeto Sumi, T Vikheho Zhimo, Pihoto Awomi, Akato Kinimi, Pukhavi Yeptho and Hukheto Yeptho, in a joint press release said the drive was also being carried out without taking the DMC as a whole and the public into confidence.
Stating that no prior official information or sufficient time was given to business establishments to make alternative arrangement, the nine members also informed that the DMC had not constituted any committee for verification of land pattas and illegal encroachment to execute the demolition drive accordingly.
 “No consultation with the concerned general public prior to the drive but suddenly resorting to rampant demolition act on the pretext of development is a direct harassment to the public which is not proscribed in any law of the land,” the release added.
Further, the nine DMC members pointed out that though the DMC chairperson had claimed to have issued notification regarding demolition drive on three occasions, the DMC had at no point of time circulated notifications to “concerned members to even discuss about the matter.” “Whatever order he has claimed to have issued is purely a self-styled order and such an order can never be claimed to be an official document,” the nine members said.
The release also stated that there was “confusion in the minds of the general public at whose behest he is carrying out such demolition drive.”
Meanwhile, it was learnt that some of those affected by the recent demolition carried out by the DMC are moving the court. Many of the complainants alleged, that the demolition was carried out even before they could respond to notices issued by the DMC. On the other hand, scores of public have expressed support to the ongoing demolition drive by the DMC.