Apex civil society organisations (CSOs) of Wokha district along with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed by various bodies have announced an indefinite bandh along National Highway-2 passing through Wokha district with effect from 6 am on February 8, 2024.
This follows expiry of their five-day ultimatum served to Wokha deputy commissioner (DC) on February 1, which was published in local media the following day, for starting work in the ongoing two-lane construction of NH-2 (old NH-61) from KM 72.40 to KM 83.00 in Wokha district, and upon the failure of the authorities, including the Wokha district administration and Department of National Highways, and the contractor (TTC Infra India) to start the work.
In a joint statement, chairmen of Lotha Hoho and Wokha Town Colonies’ Chairmen Union, presidents of Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, Wokha District Village Council Chairmen Association and All Commercial Vehicle Association Wokha and JAC convener, declared that the indefinite bandh would be lifted only after their demands were met, including addressing their various grievances that had already been submitted in their correspondences and negotiations with the authorities concerned, and immediate commencement of the work that had been arbitrarily stopped.
As all vehicles coming from other districts would be banned entry into Wokha district, they requested all citizens planning to travel through the district to take note and make their travel plans accordingly.
Except for government-registered vehicles, they said intra-district vehicular movement would be allowed. They have however exempted police, paramilitary forces, medical services, including ambulances and private vehicles carrying patients or bodies, fire and emergency services, postal services and the press from the purview of indefinite bandh.
They appealed to all fellow Lothas in particular and Naga brethren in general to understand their genuine demand for realising their right to have good roads, and extend their cooperation and support in the fight for justice.