CSU officials and other volunteers during the peaceful
protest on Saturday at North Kikruma. (EM Images)
- KIKRUMA — Following the expiry of a seven-day
ultimatum served to the executive director of National Highways and
Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) over the Kohima–Jessami
road (package 2), the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) on Saturday initiated
the second phase of agitation in the form of a peaceful protest.
- The road in question stretches from Chakhabama to Kikruma
village, covering a distance of 21.9 km, where the work is being executed in
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode by Ratna Infrastructure
Projects Pvt. Ltd. The project was awarded on October 10, 2023, and commenced
on January 5, 2024.
- The protest rally took place at North Kikruma, following a
symbolic march by CSU volunteers and the participation of North Kikruma
residents and other well-wishers.
CSU officials and other volunteers during the peaceful
protest on Saturday at North Kikruma. (EM Images)
A dog with a poster, participated during the peaceful
protest on Saturday at North Kikruma. (EM Images)
- Addressing the rally, CSU president Pfhulo Sara criticised
the NHIDCL for delaying the project's completion and for giving ‘unreasonable
excuses’. He also accused the construction firm of deliberately delaying the
works.
- “Until now, we have not seen any significant progress within
the package 2 stretch, and for which, after repeated representations, the CSU
is compelled to go to the streets and show our resentment through democratic
demonstration,” he said.
Related: Chakhesang Students’ Union seeks governor’s intervention on Kohima-Jessami road
- The president stated that on May 2, the CSU had given an
ultimatum to the NHIDCL, demanding the filling of potholes, clearing of road
blockages, provision of drainage, and mitigation of rockfalls and landslides.
- He highlighted that the road serves not only the villagers
of Kikruma and the people of Phek district but is also a vital communication
link for Meluri and Kiphire districts and beyond.
- Sara demanded early execution of works in regard to
blacktopping and other necessary constructions to ensure swift completion of
the highway. He also demanded that sufficient machinery and manpower be
deployed at the site at the earliest to expedite the construction process.
- Citing the latest report dated April 30, 2025, he said that
the firm has achieved a physical progress of 10.69% and financial progress of
7.4%, while the original schedule for completion is January 2026. He expressed
doubt that the firm would be able to complete the project by then and demanded
a concrete response, failing which the CSU would be compelled to take further
action.
- The president also warned the NHIDCL, Ratna Infrastructure
Projects, and all concerned agencies that if CSU's demands are not met
promptly, the agitation will be intensified. He stated that if any untoward
incident occurs, the CSU will hold NHIDCL and the firm accountable.
- CSU general secretary Kuzoto Swuro alleged that the NHIDCL
and the firm have never respected the CSU’s concerns.
- Swuro noted that the CSU had submitted multiple
representations to the NHIDCL, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the governor of
Nagaland, and Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who is in charge of National
Highways in Nagaland. However, he lamented that none of the demands were
addressed.
- He also referred to the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) meeting
minutes and reaffirmed CSU’s support for the recommendation to terminate the
firm’s contract if it fails to take timely and adequate measures for the
completion of the project.
- Kikruma Students’ Union (KSU) president, Veswu Vero,
expressed unwavering solidarity with the CSU, condemning the inexcusable
negligence of the NHIDCL.
- He said that for nearly two years, the Chakhesang community
has endured immense suffering due to the abandoned project. He highlighted
health hazards due to dust during the dry season, slippery and dangerous roads
during the rainy season, and frequent landslides, all of which severely hamper
daily travel and damage already fragile infrastructure due to a lack of
drainage systems.
- Vero stated that the KSU recognises NH-29 as the lifeline of
the Chakhesang community, connecting it to the state capital and enabling
socio-economic activities. He noted that residents of Kikrüma and North Kikrüma
are particularly affected, as package 2 falls within their jurisdiction.
- Village Council Chairman (VCC) of North Kikruma, Thipusuyo
Tunyi, in his speech, stated that the incomplete road has greatly impacted
students, commuters, and economic activities and has damaged vehicles,
affecting the economy.
- Despite the government’s intent to help the people, he said
the contractors have deliberately delayed the project. He urged the government
to appoint an efficient contractor to ensure timely completion and alleviate
the suffering of the people, warning that continued delays will cause serious
consequences, including illness and road hazards.
