On February 9th, 2024, Wokha witnessed the second day of the indefinite bandh organized by the Lotha Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Wokha, conveyed that the contractors had agreed to resume work in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the contract agreement. However, the CSOs expressed dissatisfaction with the terms, prompting them to escalate the bandh.
The intensified measures include the closure of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, indefinite lockdown of the SDO (National Highways) office in Wokha, complete restriction of vehicular movement, and closure of all commercial establishments in the district.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with the contractor representatives today, the Public Work Department (National Highways) assured that work would proceed strictly in accordance with the contract agreement’s terms. No additional work would be imposed on the contractor, and any work outside the Right of Way would not fall under the contractor’s purview. Furthermore, if any threats were posed to the workers, the contractor would be compelled to withdraw from the project.
The Department also appealed to the CSOs to temporarily suspend the indefinite bandh, emphasizing sincere efforts to expedite the mobilization of machinery and workforce for project resumption.
The developments reflect ongoing negotiations and efforts to address concerns while striving for a resolution that benefits all stakeholders involved.