Aqahuto Area GBs Union (ATKK) has objected to the new alignment of the NH-129A (Maram-Peren-Dimapur) undertaken by NHIDCIL and described the move as “quite discriminatory, biased and unjustified” against villages of Sumi community.
In a representation addressed to the dy. chief minister & minister PWD (R&B), ATKK president Kakiho Achumi and joint secretary Vikishe Swu claimed that the proposed project was “intentionally undertaken” to divert the old route, which was much shorter and crossed a total of 12 villages viz Mhainamtsi, Khehoi, Phushito, Vihuto, Jacob, Zutovi, Pimla, Mhaikam, Disagaphu, Shitovi, Razaphe, Vidima and Shokhuvi villages to reach NH-29, 7th Mile, Dimapur. The new alignment passes through Mhainamtsi, Nkawareu, Kiyevi, Heningkunglwa and Ngwalwa villages to reach NH-29, 7th Mile.
Since the new alignment was about 33km (10km longer than the old alignment), ATKK said that more than ten villages would be at a disadvantage economically and would cause great inconvenience.
It said that the old alignment, which used to benefit the two major tribes—Sumis and Zeliangs of the two districts of Dimapur and Peren—in many aspects would now be deprived.
Pointing out that all the villages have already given their no objection certificate to construct the road, the ATKK has, therefore, demanded realignment of the route at the earliest.