Three Ao Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)- Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Dimapur Watsu Telongjem (DWT) and Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) have, in separate statements, announced support to the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee’s (NFHRCC) four-day deadline served to the state government for issuing work order pertaining to the two-lane road project.
ASTD: Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) president Ningsangwaba Pongen and general secretary K Tsukti Longchar declared that the Senso stood firm with the demands put forth as per the resolution, keeping in mind the urgency to act on the prevailing situation.
Terming the Foothills Road —also known as the people’s project — as an extraordinary project and a dream road for every Naga, ASTD has demanded that the state government commit to realisation of the dream by prioritising the matter and ensuring prompt action.
The Senso also pledged to comply with the resolution adopted by the NFHRCC, if the state government failed to adhere to the demand.
DWT: In another statement, Dimapur Watsu Telongjem(DWT) has declared its unequivocal support to the four-day deadline served on the state government by the NFHRCC. The DWT said the NFHRCC resolution highlighted the urgent and critical need of the road for the Naga people.
It claimed that the Foothill Road project was a vital step towards addressing the region’s transportation and connectivity need.
Further DWT urged the state government to prioritise this initiative by allotting work order for the two-lane road project.
It also pointed out that the support for the resolution underscored commitment to fostering growth and improving the quality of life for the Nagas. In lieu of the above, the DWT announced its solidarity with the NFHRCC in supporting this important resolution.
It demanded that the state government should take steps to address the issue promptly and effectively to avoid escalation of the matter.
DAYO: Meanwhile, the Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) has also extended support to the NFHRCC deadline.
In a statement, the DAYO reminded that it has been consistent and resilient in extending unflinching support to the NFHRCC on the latter’s endeavour to ensure that the Nagas’ dream road from Tizit in Mon district to Khelma in Peren district became a reality for the citizens of Nagaland.
DAYO however lamented that in spite of Rs 148.5 crore being earmarked for the upgrade of the Foothill Road under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (as stated in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly’s budget session of 2024-25), the work order for the project had been inordinately delayed.
It termed the road project as truly extraordinary since the landowners had donated land without seeking any compensation, nor any monetary demand was made by any Naga political group. The DAYO also declared that re-alignment of the road would by no means be allowed to suit the self-serving interests of any individual unless approved by the official committee.