Wokha district witnessed a significant development on February 6th, 2024, as top Civil Society Organizations and the Joint Action Committee of Wokha village announced an indefinite bandh on the National Highway traversing Wokha district, effective from 6:00 AM on February 8th.
The decision came following the expiration of a 5-day ultimatum issued to the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha on February 1st, urging the resumption of construction along the stretch of NH-2 (Old NH-61) from KM 72.40 to KM 83.00 in Wokha.
The coalition includes prominent groups such as Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, Wokha District Village Council Chairmen Association, Wokha Town Colonies’ Chairmen Union, and All Commercial Vehicle Association, Wokha. In a press release, they expressed disappointment over the failure of authorities, including the District Administration, State Department of National Highways, and contractor TTC Infra India, to adhere to the specified timeline for resuming construction works.
During the bandh period, entry of vehicles from other districts into Wokha district is prohibited. Citizens intending to travel through the district are advised to adjust their plans accordingly. However, intra-district vehicular movement, except for government registered vehicles, remains permissible.
The restrictions exempt police, paramilitary forces, medical services including ambulances and private vehicles transporting patients or deceased individuals, fire and emergency services, postal services, and press vehicles.
The bandh will persist until authorities address the groups’ demands, which encompass the resolution of various grievances previously conveyed through multiple correspondences and negotiations, and the immediate resumption of stalled construction activities.