Chakhesang Students' Union intensifies agitation against NHIDCL, seizes vehicles

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• Chakhesang Students' Union officials and volunteers during the agitation on Monday.

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• KOHIMA — The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) has intensified its agitation against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and EPC contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., citing repeated failures to meet project commitments and deadlines.
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• As part of its second phase of agitation, the CSU on Monday 12 seized three NHIDCL vehicles and one government-registered vehicle, stating that despite prior warnings, the agencies continued to disregard the union’s directives regarding the Chakhabama–Kikruma road project (package-II) under NH-29.

Chakhesang Students' Union officials and volunteers during the agitation on Monday.

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• The CSU had earlier announced an indefinite blockade on the movement of all government-registered vehicles, including those belonging to NHIDCL and its contractor. Exemptions have been made for vehicles related to essential services—Medical, Administrative, Police, Paramilitary, Fire & Emergency, Power, and PHE Departments.
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• In a statement, the union said, “This clearly reflects a lackadaisical attitude and utter disregard for the directives of the CSU.” Reaffirming its stance, the CSU asserted that the agitation would continue with full intensity until all demands are met, and urged all stakeholders to strictly comply moving forward.

Related: Chakhesang Students' Union to block vehicles of NHIDCL, contractor and government on NH-29

• Meanwhile, a meeting between CSU representatives, district officials, and other stakeholders held at Pfütsero on Monday ended inconclusively.
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• PTBA slams delay
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• The Pfütsero Town Business Association (PTBA) also condemned the prolonged delays in the Kohima–Jessami Road project, particularly the Chakhabama–Kikruma stretch.
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• In a statement, the PTBA expressed frustration over the "continued neglect and lack of progress" in what it described as a critical infrastructure project. The association questioned the role of NHIDCL's regional office in Kohima and cited severe lapses in planning, execution, and accountability.
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• The PTBA noted that the delays have caused significant economic and logistical disruptions in the region. Businesses in Pfütsero have been hit hard, with increased vehicle damage, disrupted transport of goods, and higher operational costs—especially during the monsoon season.
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• Expressing full support for the CSU’s agitation, the PTBA warned that if corrective actions were not taken immediately, it would escalate the matter through: filing a grievance via the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS); submitting a formal complaint to the NHIDCL managing director in New Delhi; and approaching the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
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• “The people of Pfutsero and the Chakhesang community have shown great patience. This delay is more than administrative failure—it is a violation of their right to safe travel and economic opportunity,” the PTBA stated.
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• The association demanded: immediate resumption of road work; timely completion of the Chakhabama–Kikruma stretch; restoration of the route to motorable condition; and a reliable maintenance and accountability mechanism.