With expiry of the deadline for release of the driver and handyman of an oil tanker, abducted near New Helipong a few kilometers from Tuensang, an indefinite state-wide strike took effect on Sunday throughout Nagaland which came after four districts– Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Longleng and Tuensang stopped sale and transportation of oil since April 26.
The impact of the total closure of all oil pumps and stoppage of transportation of oil has not been felt in a major way yet, but it is bound to have a serious effect if the bandh continues beyond two to three days.
Several hundred vehicles from Dimapur have begun streaming to nearby Lahorijan, Khatkhati and Bokajan (Assam) to buy petrol and diesel while some have begun hoarding in case of unforeseen problems.
If the bandh continues for over two or three days, then prices of commodities including vehicle fare will most likely see a further rise. The indefinite strike has been jointly called by Kohima Petroleum Dealers Association (KPDA), Dimapur Petroleum Dealers Association (DPDA), Nagaland Tanker Transport Association (NTTA) and Oil Tanker Drivers’ Union (OTDU) since the abductors including the authorities have failed to provide information about the victims and ensure their release unharmed.
Several organizations have also demanded safe release of the tanker driver and the helper– Tula Ram Bura Gohain and Adman Surin.
In this regard, Commissioner Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen has called for a meeting with the associations– KPDA, DPDA, NTTA and OTDU, on May 1 at 11 a.m. at the Commissioner’s office to discuss the matter. Imchen further requested that the associations to send a maximum of five members to attend the meeting.
PAC appeals: Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which met Monday at CM’s residential office, unanimously resolved to appeal to the abductors to immediately release the innocent persons on humanitarian grounds so as to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
In a press communiqué, chief secretary and PAC member secretary, Temjen Toy, said that the state machineries were making all possible efforts to ensure safe return of the abducted persons.