DIMAPUR — A group of aggrieved tribal organisations from Dimapur have voiced strong discontent over the continued exclusion and sidelining of several tribes from the Trans-Nagaland Foothills Road project, a development initiative conceptualised in 2013 to connect Khelma in Peren district to Tizit in Mon district.

In a joint statement issued by the presidents of six tribal bodies—the Chang Union, Khiamniungan Union, Sangtam Union, Western Yimkhiung Hoho, Tikhir Union, and Rengma Peoples’ Organisation—the unions lamented that despite their unwavering support, involvement, and sacrifices made over the past 13 years, their communities remain unrepresented and unrecognised in the ongoing project discussions and execution.

The Foothills Road, also known as the Trans-Nagaland Highway, spans approximately 395 kilometres. The unions pointed out that the road does not touch even an inch of land belonging to the Chang, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, or Tikhir tribes. Additionally, the Rengma tribe, despite being one of the land-owning communities, was allegedly not consulted in the planning process—a decision the unions described as “beyond comprehension.”

Recounting their longstanding commitment to the project, the statement highlighted that many leaders from these tribes had devoted their time, resources, and energy—some even until their last breath—to the realisation of what they call a “People’s Road,” meant for the collective progress and survival of the Naga people, and not for select sections alone.

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“We are not here because we have nothing else to do,” the signatories stated. “We are here because we care about the survival, unity, and economic progress of all Nagas. Our exclusion feels like being treated as intruders in a project we helped build.”

The statement further questioned the direction of the project, particularly in light of a recent debate held during the 2025 Nagaland Legislative Assembly session, where the Foothills Project was discussed "loud and clear." The unions expressed dismay over what they perceive as a lack of transparency and inclusion since then.

They also raised concerns about the upcoming meeting scheduled for August 7, 2025, to deliberate on the same project. According to the unions, while the earlier meeting held on April 30 had included invitations to all Apex Tribal Hohos and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), this time none of them have received invitations—a move the unions described as “painful and hard to digest.”

The signatories called for honesty, transparency, and inclusivity from both the government and the stakeholders leading the project. They affirmed that their intention is not to hinder development but to contribute meaningfully to the shared vision of progress for Nagaland.

“We are not stumbling blocks—we want to innovate, reason, and work together,” the statement read. “Let this road be a symbol of unity, not exclusion.”