The Phom Students' Conference appeals for urgent road and telecom restoration in the landslide-hit Longleng district.
DIMAPUR — The Phom Students' Conference (PSC), along with the district administration, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Longleng, police, and civil organisations in Longleng, has expressed deep concern over the unprecedented natural calamities that have severely affected the district.
According to an update from the conference, continuous heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides, flooding, and mudslides, causing extensive road blockages, damage to residential buildings, destruction of agricultural crops, and disruption of telecommunication services due to fibre cable damage.
The disasters have left the district completely isolated for more than a week, creating immense panic and hardship among the public. Consequently, several affected families were compelled to relocate to the homes of relatives, while others continued to live in unsafe houses despite the ongoing risk.
The PSC stated that the district administration, led by the deputy commissioner, along with various administrative officers, police, the 12 IR Battalion, the Public Works Department, Nagaland State Transport, village functionaries, civil society organisations, student bodies, transport associations, church leaders, and other stakeholders worked continuously to restore connectivity and establish alternative transportation routes.
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The conference also appreciated the efforts of Advisor for Airways and Railways A Pongshi Phom, MLA Bangtick Phom, and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority for facilitating Indian Air Force helicopter services that enabled more than 300 stranded students to travel from Longleng district to Dimapur. The helicopter service also transported medical emergency cases, essential commodities, and relief materials to affected areas, including Bura Namsang village and Tamlu, through Indian Air Force aircraft and NST chopper services.
The PSC further acknowledged the support of A Pongshi Phom for sponsoring half of the transportation expenses for more than 100 stranded students travelling by Sumo taxis in addition to the helicopter services.
On behalf of the student community and the wider Phom community, the conference thanked all officers, civil society organisations, volunteers, and individuals whose efforts restored nearly 40 to 50% of the damaged road connectivity and about 90% of telecommunication services. It appealed to the public to continue cooperating with agencies engaged in restoration work, particularly as heavy vehicles remain unable to access several affected areas.
The PSC urged the Government of Nagaland, the district administration, and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to continue prioritising road clearance, restoration, and long-term maintenance. It also requested the government to continue supporting the district and families affected by the landslides and other natural disasters.
The conference further urged all heads of departments who are still outside the district to report to their respective stations at the earliest so that essential public services can resume without delay.