| Staff REPORTER |
ITANAGAR, May 5: The All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation (AAPYO) has served a seven-day ultimatum to the state’s chief vigilance authority and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, alleging irregularities in the NH-415 Package-B project from Papu Nallah to Nirjuli.
Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club, AAPYO president Kipa Kanam expressed concern over what he termed as the state government’s lack of response regarding delays and alleged discrepancies in the construction of the project, including the flyover at Naharlagun.
The organisation has demanded submission of a detailed cost estimate for dismantling 62 piers linked to the flyover and called for an immediate halt to all payments related to the project until a comprehensive review is carried out.
Among other demands, AAPYO has sought the establishment of a regional office of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in the state to improve monitoring of infrastructure works. It has also called for the constitution of an independent one-man inquiry committee headed by a retired High Court judge to probe the alleged irregularities in a time-bound and impartial manner.
Further, the organisation demanded termination and blacklisting of firms found guilty of any wrongdoing in connection with the project.
Referring to a recent round table meeting with PWD officials chaired by Advisor to the PWD Minister, Phurpa Tsering, Kanam said AAPYO representatives walked out, alleging that the explanations provided were unsatisfactory. He also claimed that meeting minutes were prepared without their consent and opposed proposals related to dismantling costs and release of pending payments.
AAPYO has warned of a 36-hour capital shutdown if its demands are not met within the stipulated time.