Many endorse 48-hr shutdown over AH expansion
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, December 06 2021: Many civil society organisations including Thadou Inpi Kangpokpi, Thadou Students' Association Sadar Hills, Thadou Women's Association Sadar Hills, and Thadou Youth Association Sadar Hills have endorsed the 48 hours total shutdown from midnight of December 7 called by various Kangpokpi bodies in connection with the Asian Highway expansion issue.

Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association (SAHILCA), Kangpokpi District Chiefs Joint Coordination Committee on Land Matters (KDCJCCLM), and Asian Highway Land Affected Villages Chiefs/Chairmen Association (AHLAVCCA) had earlier served five days' ultimatum to the state government over the Asian Highway expansion on December 2 and threatened to impose 48 hours total shutdown in Kangpokpi district if the state government fails to respond within the stipulated time.

In a joint meeting held on Sunday at Kangpokpi town, the joint bodies discussed inaction of the state government and ultimately decided to go ahead with its proposed total shutdown.

Earlier, in a press conference held at Saparmeina, SAHILCA speaker Lunthang Haokip said that people of Kangpokpi consider the state government's attitude towards the Asian Highway expansion from Gamgiphai to Kalapahar as a step-motherly treatment as the government has failed to initiate an appreciable measure so far for the expansion of the Asian Highway by resolving issues evolving over it.

Lunthang pointed out that the civil bodies had already held more than five meetings with the government and discussed the various issues in connection with the AH expansion.

He also alleged that till now no concrete solution has been brought in by the government but rather it is applying a delaying policy while ignoring the sentiments of the people.

The SAHILCA speaker maintained that repeated appeals had been made to the state government to give compensation accordingly and start the highway expansion at the earliest but nothing has been initiated till today.

He continued that apart from denying the appointment sought with the chief minister to discuss the issue for an amicable solution, the government has failed to respond to us even after serving an ultimatum.

Therefore, they have ultimately decided to go ahead with the 48 hours total shutdown which will begin from midnight of December 7 till midnight of December 8, he added.

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