Dimapur, August 30 (MExN): In view of Dimapur Municipal Council’s (DMC) directive for a formal agreement between the DMC and individual ‘allottees’, a group of disgruntled allottees submitted a memorandum to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DMC today. The memo was not issued to the press. Nikhashe Sema, CEO, also refused to comment but said he would discuss the matter with the board of advisors. The drift that the DMC clearly sent out was that the opposition by certain individuals is uncalled-for and would only compel the DMC to ‘bring out skeletons from the cupboard.’
DMC Chief Advisor K. Keditsu has, however, said the order will stand and that there will be no ‘back show’ on that. Keditsu pointed out that the matter is being blown out of proportion by certain individuals, and that the DMC was doing what is beneficial for the allottees. Speaking to a section of the media, Keditsu said that in the past, allotments were done according to the whims of chairmen/deputy chairmen without signing proper legal documents. He added that due to absence of proper legal agreements by both parties, in the past, many original allottees were duped and rendered ‘helpless’. He said the allotment papers only carried terms and conditions.
Keditsu lamented that the effort of the DMC Advisory Board to streamline things is being met with resistance. He clarified that the directive for an agreement between both parties is for record and in no way an attempt to manipulate the allotments made to individuals. The DMC chief also said that the DMC will not impose rents on those allottees that have paid rent till December. Keditsu added that such opposition by individuals is uncalled-for and would only compel DMC to ‘bring out skeletons from the cupboard.’
Also, the DMC has called for all ‘allottees’ of New Market who have not submitted the copies of allotment order in respect of their stall/stalls are once again directed to complete the submission of documents on or before August 31 for execution of formal agreement with the DMC and the allottees. Failing to comply with this order will compel the authority to take necessary action against defaulters.
Meanwhile, the disgruntled allottees have questioned how the order could be issued without the signature of the CEO. They claimed that the State Cabinet did not nominate a ‘Chief Advisor’; rather all members were nominated only as ‘Advisors,’ therefore, will not accept any order overriding the CEO’s office, as he is the representative to the government.
