Tribal bodies threaten to boycott April 7 meeting over Foothills Road, demanding NFHRCC inclusion in key government discussions.
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DIMAPUR — Yet another standoff is brewing after representatives of various Dimapur-based tribal hohos and apex bodies on Monday resolved to boycott the April 7 meeting convened by the state government on the Foothills Road issue unless the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) is invited.
The decision was taken following a meeting of the NFHRCC.
Addressing a press conference at the NFHRCC office in Dimapur, Lotha Hoho general secretary Limhathung Odyuo said that the Foothills Road project has long been a collective aspiration of the Naga people, with the NFHRCC working since 2013 for its implementation.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of the NFHRCC from the inauguration of the Doyang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the state, measuring over 400 feet and taking nearly a decade to complete, terming the move “deeply hurtful.”
Referring to a recent statement by PWD Minister G Kaito Aye that the Foothills Road would be completed by 2026–27, Odyuo said that the committee does not seek the minister’s resignation but expects executing agencies to ensure quality and timely completion.
Read more: NFHRCC counters Nagaland PWD claims on Foothills Road project
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On the proposal for a four-lane road, he questioned the rationale of expansion when the two-lane project remains incomplete, asserting that priority should be given to making the existing road fully operational.
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The tribal bodies demanded that the government prioritise completion of the two-lane road and issue the work order for the second phase, involving administrative approval of over INR 400 crore.
Odyuo reiterated that the NFHRCC represents 13 apex tribal hohos and its exclusion from key deliberations is disrespectful.
He said that he committee had written to the chief minister multiple times seeking dialogue but received no response. He warned that if the NFHRCC is not invited to the April 7 meeting at the chief minister’s conference hall, none of the tribal hohos would attend.
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Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) president Ningsangwaba Pongen reminded that 13 Dimapur-based tribal hohos had submitted an ultimatum to the chief minister on February 21, set to expire on March 31.
While expressing hope for a positive outcome from the April 7 meeting, he cautioned that failure to address their concerns could lead to democratic protests.
Clarifying issues surrounding the Foothills Road and the proposed Trans-Nagaland Highway, he said that the immediate focus should remain on the two-lane Foothills Road funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), warning against introducing new projects before completing the existing one.
Western Rengma Hoho president Njilo Kemp also stressed that the NFHRCC must be included in all future discussions, reiterating that tribal bodies would boycott the meeting if the committee is excluded.
Responding to queries on the Baghty division stretch, Odyuo said that show-cause notices were issued to two firms over substandard work, including cracked culverts made from inferior materials.
Of 151 culverts planned, only 50–60 have been completed, indicating slow progress, he said.
The Lotha Hoho leader added that while construction of five bridges is progressing, delays in iron structures have stalled completion.
On land compensation, he said that landowners had agreed since 2013 to provide a 40-foot stretch free of cost for the two-lane road. However, any expansion to a 100-foot right of way under a four-lane proposal would affect livelihoods and should be compensated.
On funding, Odyuo said that over INR 148 crore was sanctioned for the first phase under a 50-year soft loan, executed by 17 firms. He added that administrative approval of over INR 400 crore has been secured for the second phase and urged the government to issue work orders at the earliest, especially ahead of the monsoon.