Tamenglong, Sept 26: A resolution was reached following a crucial meeting held between civil society organizations(CSOs) and the Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong on Thursday after an indefinite blockade along National Highway 37 by the Joint Civil Organizations of Tousem Sub-Division. The blockade, initiated on September 25, was organized by several student bodies demanding the relocation of the Sub-Divisional Officer’s (SDO) office to the Tousem Sub-Division Headquarters.
The meeting saw participation from multiple civil groups, including the RNCM-Tamenglong Zone, Zeme Naga Council, Tousem Area Students’ Organization, Tousem Headquarters Students’ Union, Zeme Student Organization Manipur, and Chramram Segment Voice, alongside the DC of Tamenglong.
The CSOs expressed their frustration over the government’s delay in relocating the SDO office from the Tamenglong District Headquarters to Tousem, despite longstanding promises. The absence of the SDO office in Tousem has left the remote region deprived of essential administrative services, further aggravating issues like poor infrastructure and governance challenges.
Following the discussions, an agreement was made to seek the necessary permissions from authorities to use the SDO office building, staff quarters, bank building, and police department building already constructed at Tousem Headquarters. Once approval is secured, the government will move forward with renovation efforts, aiming to have the SDO office fully operational by November 10, 2024. The CSOs have warned that any failure to meet this deadline may result in renewed agitation.
Additionally, the CSOs requested a meeting with the Chief Minister within seven days to push for immediate government intervention on the matter.
As a result of these agreements, the indefinite bandh on NH-37 has been lifted. The highway had seen significant disruption since the blockade began, which had paralyzed traffic and stranded nearly 100 trucks transporting essential goods on NH-37, particularly in Jiribam town.
