NSCN-IM responds to 4-lane project tax demand allegation
Source: IT News

Dimapur, June 24 2017: The controversy surrounding the June 15 incident wherein alleged cadres of the NSCNIM halted works at the ongoing project to 4-lane the Dimapur-Kohima highway, which forms part of AH-1, has further deepened.

The NSCN-IM in a media statement issued through its 'Ministry of Information and Publicity' on Friday questioned the veracity of the statement issued by the Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union (NCSU) on June 22 with regard to the alleged June 15 incident.

The statement said that the clarification from the NCSU came as a surprise "because the NSCN is not dealing with NCSU but the NSCN deals with the Companies directly.

The so called misunderstanding related to the halting of works was purely within the NCSU." As per the statement, when the NSCN-IM contacted the NCSU to inquire on the matter the former was reportedly told by the latter that it was a case of "communication gap" within the NCSU and that it will be clarified through the newspapers "the next day." While stating that the clarification from the NCSU as agreed did not appear, the statement alleged that it resulted in further aggravating the matter as the media and social media were given a free hand to play havoc against the NSCN-IM.

It led to the NSCN-IM 'Kilo Kilonser' summoning the NCSU president, Pele Khezhie, who, the statement said, "After thorough discussions, Pele, President of NCSU, admitted that, he is using Neibu Angami, Deputy Kilonser from Unification Camp ( GPRN/NSCN) as his works Supervisor.

He also admitted that he will clarify the matter for making the media make false allegations against the NSCN/GPRN." The subsequent media statement issued by the NCSU on June 22, the statement said, "Came as a big surprise to the NSCN." Stating that the NSCN-IM supports all kinds of developmental projects within "Nagalim" and sees to it that works are executed according to the specifications and quality maintained for the good of the Naga people, the statement added, "The ongoing construction of 4- lane road between Dimapur and Kohima is no exception." It stated that the construction companies involved in the project are frequently reminded to ensure quality is maintained and the work completed within the stipulated time.

When the NSCN-IM inquired as regards the halting of work, the statement said that engineers at the project site responded that work was suspended due to heavy rain.

Stating that the NSCN-IM was falsely blamed for halting of work by the ACAUT, the statement alleged that even the Governnor of Nagaland was pressurised to rush to Delhi "and complained to the Home Minister." With regard to the 3-day deadline of the ACAUT to the NSCN-IM to respond, the MIP statement said that the corruption watchdog is "making a big joke of themselves" .

Comment