ACAUT accuses NSCN-IM of thwarting development

Dimapur, June 23: The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) has accused the NSCN-IM of coming in the way of development.
The latest jibe from the corruption watchdog comes in the backdrop of allegation that NSCN-IM cadres were involved in the June 15 incident that temporarily stalled works for the ongoing project to 4-lane the Dimapur-Kohima highway, which forms part of AH-1.
Following the alleged incident, the ACAUT had asked the NSCN-IM to come clear and clarify whether its cadres were involved or were behind the alleged tax demands imposed on contractors/workers at the project site. It had also stipulated a 3-day deadline for the NSNC-IM to respond.
“On June 18, the ACAUT had demanded that the NSCN-IM clarify within three days on the allegations that the NSCN-IM had stopped the 4-laning work and threatened to burn down the machineries unless tax is paid by the contractors working on AH-1.
 The people’s movement had then expressed that unless clarification is made by the outfit within the time period, the automatic conclusion would be that “the NSCN-IM does not want Nagaland people to enjoy fruits of development,” stated the ACAUT in a media statement issued on Thursday.
While stating that the NSCN-IM has failed to clarify its position, the ACAUT said, “One can only conclude the allegations to be true. Thus, the ACAUT is left with no option but to reiterate that “the NSCN-IM does not want Nagaland people to enjoy fruits of development.”
Further, it cautioned that henceforth any “disturbances” that affects the 4-lane project “by any entity” would be a treated as a “direct challenge upon all Nagas.”
With regard to the sincerity of the business entities contracted for the project, the ACAUT said that the firms should bear in mind that people are watching the progress of works with great concern.
“… Quality should not be compromised under any circumstances – and therefore, great care should be taken to avoid misunderstandings,” the ACAUT added.
Contractors say matter amicably settled
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Contractors’ &Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) informed that the matter has been amicably put to rest. The NCSU through a media statement said that the “Home Minister of NSCN-IM” called Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union officials on June 21 in connection with the matter.
The statement said that the matter was thoroughly deliberated and any “communication gap and misunderstanding between the two parties” was “amicably settled.” It also clarified that the works on the project resumed the next day after the alleged tax demand incident occurred on June 15.