Organizations react to imposition of ‘sand bandh’

Sand Stockist and Suppliers Union Dimapur (SSSUD) and Karbi Anglong Truck Owners’ Welfare Association (KATOWA) have reacted to the decision of the Sand Mahaldar and Suppliers Association (SMSA), Majna HQ, Karbi Anglong to impose ‘indefinite bandh’ on export of sand to Nagaland with effect from October 10.
In a press release, SSSUD president Viniho Shohe and general secretary Nito Sumi stated that there was no meeting with the sand mohaldar association in the month of September 2015 and termed it as “totally baseless.”
SSSUD said though the union had a formal meeting in September 2014 at Lahorijan, Delai Road, the meeting did not pass any resolution. It claimed that the meeting only discussed about the sand rate, adding that the same rate was in force till date through mutual understanding.
Further, SSSUD clarified that it never had joint meeting with Truck Owners’ Union Dimapur (TOUD) and it had no connection with that union.
Meanwhile, SSUD has requested SMSA to consult with it before going to the press in order to have a long lasting relationship and understanding between the two unions.
It also requested SMSA not to impose bandh on sand export to Nagaland in the interest of sand suppliers and public in general.
KATOWA clarifies
In a separate press release, KATOWA president Nungsang Jamir and secretary Obed Swu stated the association held a meeting with all its members on October 7 at its head office, Lahorijan, Karbi Anglong and discussed at length about the indefinite bandh called by SMSA Majna HQ, Karbi Anglong.
According to KATOWA, the meeting deliberated on the issue and clarified that Nungsang Ao is officially known as Nungsang Jamir and he is the president of a government registered association KATOWA and not an official or a member of Truck Owners’ Union Dimapur (TOUD) as claimed by SMSA. The association asserted that it was disappointed for “falsely using the name of its president.”
Further, KATOWA clarified that neither it had knowledge about the joint meeting of September 4, 2015 nor the association president Nungsang Jamir attending the said meeting.
KATOWA said the meeting therefore resolved not to comply with the indefinite bandh being imposed by SMSA.
Meanwhile, KATOWA cautioned that it would initiate legal action against any union/association that falsely implicated its name or its officials. Stating that it was law abiding organization working for the welfare of truck owners, KATOWA, therefore, has appealed to administration and law enforcing authority of Karbi Anglong to intervene into the matter to ensure smooth operation of sand carrying trucks plying along the NH-36 and NH-39.
Clarification
Apropos news item “Indefinite bandh on sand export to state from Oct 10”, published on October 7, it may be clarified that as per the press release of SMSA issued on October 6, 2015, a joint meeting between SSSUD, Truck Owners’ Union Dimapur (TOUD) from Nagaland and SMSA Karbi Anglong from Assam was stated to have held at Assam gate, Lahorijan on September 4, 2014, but it was inadvertently published as September 4, 2015.