WU-NPPCL lifts NH-61 blockade

The indefinite blockade on National Highway 61 called by the Workers Union Nagaland Pulp & Paper Company Ltd (WU-NPPCL) at Tzudikong, Tuli which entered day-three was called off on Sunday night after the paper mill authorities reportedly assured to release the pending salaries at the earliest and also look into the other demands.

In a letter to the workers union general secretary, NPPCL DGM (HR&ES) Imnalemba Imsong had sought one month’s time, stating that the CMD along with state government officials would be meeting the concerned authorities in the ministry to discuss the matter.

A joint meeting in this regard was also held on Sunday night with the workers union, Mokokchung district administration led by the deputy commissioner and other civil society organizations.

Meanwhile, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) expressed solidarity with the workers union and appealed to the competent authority to take immediate measures to fulfil the charter of demands proposed by workers union. 

AKM said despite making several appeals for revival and rehabilitation of the paper mill, nothing had been materialized till date. This has not only been the dream of the AKM but all of the Ao community and the Nagas in general to revive the lone heavy Industry in the state, AKM stated.

While acknowledging the union for tirelessly working to keep the paper mill alive, AKM has asked the state government to genuinely look into the issues. 

AKM questioned the HPCL authority as to why the Paper Mill could not be revived and rehabilitated despite crores of rupees being sanctioned by the Centre? 

Further, Langpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (LKM) also expressed deep anguish over the callous and irresponsible attitude of the state government towards revival of the only heavy industry in Nagaland– NPPCL in Tuli. 

Instead of making serious attempt to revive the paper mill with a sanction amount of Rs. 500 crores made by the Centre years back, LKM said it was beyond comprehension that the state government decided to revise the paper mill revival project by enhancing the amount even before the project could be started and left the fate of the industry to die.