Following the DC Peren January 11 order prohibiting trucks carrying logs to pass through the district headquarters after April 30, the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has decided to launch indefinite blockade on movement of vehicles in Peren district starting May 8 if the authority fails to revoke the notification.
The decision to impose indefinite blockade was taken at a joint meeting of NTTU, timber traders of Chumukedima and Dimapur units on May 4.
The union has been demanding that the timber operation be allowed till May 31 with the justification that beyond the month of May, it was not feasible for the business due to onset of monsoon. The local MLA and chairman of District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Peren had reportedly written to the DC to maintain status quo and allow timber traders to function till May 3, NTTU stated, adding that the same was not applied.
NTTU officials claimed that 31 trucks were seized at Ahthibung since April 30. They said that about 72 persons involved in the business were affected due to shortage of ration. Unspecified numbers of trucks were also reportedly stranded with the imposition of the notification. In this regard, NTTU has decided to impose blockade on vehicular movement in Peren district.
NTTU said besides security and para-military forces, police, medical and other emergency services all vehicular movement would be restricted.
Meanwhile, Dimapur Timber Mill Owners’ Association (DTMOA) and the Chumukedima Timber Traders’ Association (CTTA) have extended their support to NTTU in the demand for revocation of prohibition order.
DTMOA president Toikhu Chophy and CTTA president Khutovi Awomi, in a joint statement, appealed the DC to revoke the earlier notification, saying it was affecting the many families whose livelihood depends on timber business.
They further appealed the authority concerned to release all the vehicles.
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