Kangpokpi CSOs see red, form JAC
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, February 09 2021: Disappointed with the alleged 'unexpected and unjustified decision' of NHIDCL and the decision of DC Kangpokpi in signing the MoU to drop Kangpokpi Bypass road, the civil society organizations of the district held an emergency joint meeting today.

The emergency joint meeting was attended by Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi, KSO Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization, Kangpokpi Youth Union, Asian Highway Land Affected Villages Chairmen/Chiefs Association (AHLACCA) covering Gamgiphai to Taphou Kuki, various intellectual bodies, well-wishers, etc.

The meeting minutely deliberated on the unexpected decision of NHIDCL to drop the Kangpokpi bypass road and the MoU with the Joint Action Committee against the proposed Diversion of the Kangpokpi Bypass of National Highway 2 and Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi this morning.

The meeting at the outset unanimously voiced strong objection against the NHIDCL decision and the MoU signed between the said JAC and DC Kangpokpi.

The CSOs of Kangpokpi articulated to the NHIDCL that no one from Kangpokpi stood against the alignment of Kangpokpi bypass till date.

Rather all CSOs representing the people of Kangpokpi and the Asian Highway Land Affected Villages Chairmen/Chiefs Association supported the NHIDCL with all available services and possible ways while wondering who the local people are whom the NHIDCL had referred to.

It also pointed out that the JAC against the proposed Diversion of Kangpokpi Bypass of NH-2 is a committee formed by a handful of vested individuals from T Khullen, Daili and Tumnoupokpi Naga villages to politicise the Asian Highway construction works and supported by various Naga bodies to communalise the issue.

This has nothing to do with Kangpokpi.

The meeting unanimously voiced that Kangpokpi Bypass is the subject and sole concern of the local people of Kangpokpi while T Khullen, Daili and Tumnoupokpi have nothing to do with diversion or construction of the Bypass as it does not in anyway affect their interest.

It further pointed out that the decision for Kangpokpi Bypass was consensually taken by all stakeholders including CSOs of Kangpokpi, Chief Association, etc.

and after being approved by DC Kangpokpi the final alignment was drawn and land acquisition was in progress.

A vast area of land was allocated to LECKON Infra, the construction company to accommodate their workers, heavy machineries and vast land and natural habitats in Mission compound Kangpokpi was cleared for constructing quarters for the workers and officials.

Large tracts of jungle, paddy fields, etc have been cleared and earthworks have started by LECKON Infra.

The works for Kangpokpi Bypass which is in full swing cannot be dropped or stopped abruptly owing to some vested interest people who are not locals of Kangpokpi and whose only interest is a handful of compensation if the Bypass can pass through the hillock called Khullenmol, a narrow stretch of hillock on the eastern flank of Kangpokpi township, said the CSOs.

The CSOs also contended that Kangpokpi Bypass construction works cannot be dropped or stopped and the decision of NHIDCL and the MoU between the JAC against the Diversion of Kangpokpi Bypass and DC Kangpokpi will be opposed tooth and nail.

Kangpokpi Bypass should not be politicised at any cost.

The idea behind Kangpokpi bypass is to save the township of Kangpokpi from destruction and to have the Express Highway at a safer location away from the township by causing minimal damage to life and property.

If Senapati town Bypass can be made in consensus with the people of Senapati, its residents and CSOs, it is of great wonder and pain how the fate of Kangpokpi town is to be decided by a handful of vested interest groups who are not locals of Kangpokpi, it said.

Considering the alleged 'sinister intention' of the JAC against the Diversion of Kangpokpi Bypass, the senseless decision and the MoU, the meeting unanimously decided to form a Joint Action Committee, christened Joint Action Committee Against Dropping of Kangpokpi Bypass of NH-2 to spearhead the issue and movement.

The JAC against Dropping of Kangpokpi Bypass of NH-2 drew the attention of the State Government to the issue and to continue with the existing Kangpokpi Bypass for which works are on in full swing.

It also informed that it will convene a meeting very soon to announce its course of action plan including intense form of agitation.

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