JAC serves ultimatum
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 19 2022:
The National Highway expansion works at Kangpokpi and Imphal West district will be banned if the Government doesn't start arbitration process before November 30, said a Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the project.
A meeting of the 'JAC of Package 4A, 5A and 5B of National Highway expansion (Kohima-Imphal) of Kangpokpi and Imphal West District' was held at Tandongyan yesterday and it took several resolutions.
The JAC in a statement said, it has decided to launch intense democratic agitation, like shut-down, restriction of vehicular movement and impose economic blockade on the highway if the Government further delays the arbitration process beyond the deadline intimated (November 30).The National Highway expansion project is being done by the NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited).
Notably, in October last, the Centre had rejected a State nominated arbitrator based on the criteria that the person was a retired IAS officer.
Later, the State had then nominated M Joy Singh, Commissioner of Art and Culture as the arbitrator on June 1 last.
This was approved by the Centre.
However, despite repeated approaches made by the representatives of all the affected landowners for the arbitration process, there has been no positive outcome till today, said the JAC.
It urged the Government to start the arbitration process before November 30 or face stringent agitations.