Zhadima Village Council voices concern over neglected Kohima–Dimapur roads

DIMAPUR — The Zhadima Village Council (ZVC) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged neglect of two vital roads connecting the state capital Kohima with the commercial hub Dimapur.

In a press release, it was mentioned that the Kohima–Bokajan road, passing through Zhadima–Niuland and connecting to Dimapur, is one of the oldest routes in Nagaland, constructed by the British during World War II.

Noting the 68 kilometres which for decades served as an alternate lifeline to Dimapur and beyond whenever NH-29 faced disruptions, it was mentioned that despite its historical and strategic significance, it has remained neglected even after repeated appeals for attention.

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The Capital Bypass road from Kohima to Dimapur via Tsiesema–Zhadima–Viphoma–Niuland, measuring about 56 kilometres, is another crucial route, it said.

The ZVC added that the construction under Phase III (Kohima–Tsiesema) has been completed, while Phase II (Zhadima–Viphoma) is nearly complete and motorable. Unfortunately, the Phase I stretch (Niuland–Dimapur) remains incomplete owing to unresolved land issues.

The stipulated time for the completion of this road has already expired, yet the work remains unfinished. ZVC has questioned why the concerned department has failed to deliver despite repeated assurances.

It said that this issue was also deliberated in detail during the Nagaland Legislative Assembly last year, but no positive outcome has yet emerged. ZVC remarked that if the department cannot resolve the matter, then the state government must intervene, shoulder responsibility, and take decisive steps to ease the hardships of the public.

ZVC has also extended its unflinching support to Hovishe and Ghotovi villages in their protest against the prolonged inaction of the department.

While fully understanding the frustration that has built up over years of neglect and delay, ZVC has appealed to all parties to allow good sense to prevail and to resolve these matters amicably through dialogue and negotiation.

It may be mentioned that Hovishe and Ghotovi villages announced their decision to lift an earlier imposed ban on vehicular movement on the Niuland–Zhadima road with effect from September 17.