Khiamniungan Students' Union issues a seven-day notice to PWD, seeking clarification on stalled Chendang Saddle–Pangsha and Noklak–Thonoknyu road projects.
DIMAPUR — The Khiamniungan Students' Union (KSU) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) over its response under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the implementation and present status of the Chendang Saddle–Pangsha (Phase-II) road project and the Noklak–Thonoknyu road via Sanglao.
In a press release, the union raised serious concerns over the prolonged delays, stoppage and reported discontinuation of the two road projects, which it described as vital for connectivity and the socio-economic development of the affected communities.
It has issued a seven-day notice to the department, demanding a comprehensive, point-wise written clarification supported by official records and documentary evidence.
The KSU said conflicting explanations regarding land compensation, alleged intervention by an organisation, suspension of work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the discontinuation of the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme had raised serious questions about transparency, accountability and the circumstances surrounding the projects.
The union pointed out that the department’s reply dated September 28, 2026, reportedly attributed the closure or discontinuation of the project to the discontinuation of the NLCPR scheme by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
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However, the contractor had reportedly attributed the stoppage of work in 2022 to unresolved land compensation issues.
Seeking reconciliation of the contradictory explanations, the KSU demanded a clear, evidence-based account supported by official records.
It also sought village-wise details of land compensation assessed, sanctioned, disbursed and outstanding, including the relevant dates, amounts and supporting documents, subject to applicable disclosure requirements.
The union further sought clarification on statements reportedly made by the chief engineer of PWD (R&B) and the contractor on July 12, 2024, concerning an NGO or organisation allegedly linked to the stoppage of work.
It asked the department to identify the organisation, explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged intervention and provide details of any official inquiry or action taken.
On the reported suspension of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the KSU sought the exact period of interruption, the reasons for the suspension and the authority responsible.
It also demanded copies or details of relevant government orders and official records substantiating the department’s explanation for the reported nine to ten months of suspension.
Regarding the reported closure or discontinuation of both projects, the union called for a clear account of the circumstances leading to the decision and the respective responsibilities of the department, other concerned authorities and the contractor, based on official records.
The KSU also demanded details of corrective measures proposed to resolve the outstanding issues and a definite timeline for completing the remaining works, subject to the necessary approvals and funding arrangements.
The union has called upon the department to submit a satisfactory, point-wise response, supported by documentary evidence, within seven days of receiving the formal notice.
It warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period, or the submission of an incomplete, evasive or unsupported reply, would compel it to consider appropriate democratic and lawful measures before the competent authorities.
Expressing concern over what it described as continued administrative inaction, the KSU held the Government of Nagaland and the concerned department accountable for taking timely preventive and corrective measures.
It cautioned that further delays and failure to address the grievances of affected communities could intensify public frustration.
The union said any untoward situation arising from continued inaction would be raised before the appropriate competent authorities in accordance with the law.
It urged the authorities to intervene immediately and prevent an avoidable escalation.
Emphasising the public importance of the two road projects, the KSU said reliable connectivity was essential for access to education, healthcare, transportation, economic activities and other basic public services.
It maintained that the longstanding concerns could not be addressed through general or unsubstantiated explanations.
The union urged the state government and the department to treat the matter with urgency, provide transparent and evidence-based clarification, and take concrete steps towards resolving the outstanding issues and ensuring completion of the projects.
Reiterating its commitment to pursuing the matter through peaceful, democratic and lawful means, the KSU said the patience of the public should not be mistaken for indifference and that the legitimate concerns of affected communities must not be ignored.