Western Sümi Students’ Union demands urgent restoration of Niuland–Kohima road

DIMAPUR — The Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has demanded urgent and permanent restoration of the Niuland–Ghotovi–Tsogin–Zhadima–Kohima road, describing it as a long-neglected alternate route to the state capital.

In a statement, “on behalf of the people of the Niuland–Zhadima belt”, WSSU said the government has for too long subjected the people along this lifeline to neglect and deprivation, despite its strategic importance for connectivity to Kohima, Wokha, and Zunheboto.

The union stated that while the government of Nagaland continues to spend enormous sums of public money on NH-29, a highway that has already turned into a “death trap” and “road coffin” due to recurring landslides and accidents, the Niuland–Ghotovi–Tsogin–Zhadima–Kohima road, which it termed the most viable and reliable alternate route to the capital, has been left to decay in neglect.

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It recalled that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, vide order dated October 7, 2016, sanctioned INR 321.15 crore for the construction of the Dimapur–Kohima capital bypass road via Niuland–Zhadima (34.171 km) under the ISC scheme during 2016–17.

Nearly a decade has gone by, the union noted, yet no tangible work has reached the ground. It said such wilful inaction raises serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the government’s sincerity in delivering development.

The WSSU condemned the alleged neglect as both a betrayal of public trust and an unforgivable failure of governance. It pointed out that villages like Ghotovi and Hovishe, lying directly along this route, have been subjected to repeated roadblocks, daily hardship, and economic losses as a direct result of this indifference. “This is not just administrative inefficiency — it is injustice,” the union asserted.

Declaring that no more empty assurances or paperwork promises will be tolerated, the union said the people demand visible, on-ground action. It called upon the government to immediately commence permanent construction works on the Niuland–Ghotovi–Tsogin–Zhadima–Kohima road without further excuses or delay.

The WSSU further warned that if the government fails to act within a reasonable timeframe, it, together with Niuland-based organisations, village authorities, and other like-minded bodies, will be compelled to launch strong democratic forms of protest, including road blockades and mass agitation, until justice is delivered.