A man who spoke out against the alleged poor construction of a road in Sohiong block has been ostracized by the Dorbar Shnong of Kyndong Wahlang, under Nongspung Syiemship, the latest in a series of similar cases where authorities are accused of brooking no criticism.
Overwel Lyngdoh and his family have had to pay this price after he refused to withdraw a complaint he had filed with the Sohiong block development office and Chief Secretary over the poorly constructed road under the national rural employment guarantee scheme (MGNREGS).
Speaking to reporters here today, Lyngdoh said that the Dorbar Shnong held a meeting on November 21 under the leadership of the Headman, S Nongbri, and Secretary, J Ryntathiang, were it was decided to ostracize him on the grounds that Lyngdoh had filed a Right to Information (RTI) request that helped him expose the road’s poor construction.
Instead of a 0.1 metre thickness of the cement concrete road, as according to the plan, the actual thickness was found to be only 0.025 metre or less, with those responsible for the project saying that the cement had been washed away due to heavy rain and because the mix of the sandstone was too weak.
“If rain can wash away this newly-constructed road then it’s obvious what will happen if vehicles ply through this road,” Lyngdoh said.
Stating that the Dorbar Shnong has issued the notice to ostracize him and even threatened strong action against the residents who support him, he said, “We will fight for our rights and approach and apprise the Superintendent of Police on this matter because the Dorbar Shnong has also threatened action against the public who will support us.”
