No deviation from Foothill Road alignment, declares Lotha Hoho

Published on May 15, 2025

Villagers during a meeting at Merapani (Marajü) in Wokha on Thursday.
WOKHA — The Lotha Hoho has reaffirmed its opposition to any deviation or realignment of the Nagaland Foothill Road within the Wokha district, declaring that no change to the proposed alignment will be allowed.
In a meeting held on Thursday at Merapani (Marajü) village council hall, Lotha Hoho chairman Mhondamo Ovung reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the welfare of Lotha community and asserted that its position remains unchanged from the letter submitted to the chief engineer of Roads & Bridges (NPWD) on June 4, 2024.
The meeting included 22 aggrieved villagers from Changpang and Bhandari circles, who strongly opposed the newly proposed road realignment under the ongoing Foothill Road project. They maintained that the original alignment was mutually agreed upon and served the interests of the larger community. They made it clear that they would not accept any deviation.
The Lotha Hoho also extended support to the Lotha Lower Range Organisation’s May 13 press statement, which had called for strict adherence to the original road alignment.
Members of the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) joined the meeting and highlighted the history and significance of the project, which had taken shape after years of persistent efforts.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution that no realignment or deviation from the proposed Foothill Road will be allowed, as it would adversely affect the stretch within Wokha district, especially in Bhandari and Changpang circles.
They warned that any attempt to bypass their stance could lead to democratic agitation or a complete halt to Foothill Road construction within Wokha district.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, NFHRCC, Maraju (Merapani) village council, seasonal chairmen, and the 22 concerned villagers.