The Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) issued a strong rejoinder to the February 24 statement issued by the Commissioner & Secretary of PWD (Works & Housing) by asserting that while the statement referred to standard projects, the Foothills Road was an “extraordinary” initiative and could not be equated with routine developments.
NFHRCC convenor Supu Jamir and assistant general secretary Chenithung Humtsoe explained that the Foothills Road project was unique, driven by the collective will of Naga apex tribes to connect various tribal areas. They argued that applying standard procedures to this extraordinary project would hinder its purpose and create chaos within the PWD (W&H) department and the state. NFHRCC warned that insisting on conventional approaches would be akin to serving non-vegetarian food to vegetarians, turning the project into an insult rather than a solution.
The Committee urged the Commissioner & Secretary to recognize the Foothills Road as an extraordinary project and not be assessed by standard criteria. The committee argued that viewing it through an “extraordinary lens” would provide clarity, leading officials to appreciate the sacrifices made rather than assigning blame.
The duo explained that the project was unique because landowners have given up their land without compensation, Naga Political Groups have decided not to impose any taxes, and communities like Chang, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, and Khiamniungan though having no direct land claims, were participating in the project. Further, they said, the project was built on prayer and fasting, conceptualized, and initiated by Naga public leaders under the blessings of Apex Tribal Hohos.
After completion of the longest bridge in the state, the Doyang Bridge at Governor’s Camp, constructed by M/S Pukato & Sons, the committee said it had informed the minister in charge about inauguration. However it said the bridge was virtually inaugurated by the Chief Minister from Naithu Resort without informing NFHRCC, despite the committee’s decade-long efforts in overseeing the project’s completion.
The Committee recalled that on September 22, 2022, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly resolved to construct the Foothills Road through NEC. However, after the new government took office, the project was ignored despite repeated appeals. Left with no choice, NFHRCC said it approached the Governor, who then wrote to the Union Minister. Backed by this letter and MP S. Phangnon’s support, NFHRCC met the Union Minister on December 17, 2023. Following their discussions, the project was included under Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI).
NFHRCC stated that on December 14, 2024, the PWD (R&B) department issued 17 work orders worth Rs.148.5 crore under SASCI’s first phase. These contracts were awarded to 14 firms, including M/S Medodi Construction & Co., M/S N. Chisho Swu & Sons (3 work orders), and others.
Following established practices, NFHRCC said it invited all firms to enter an agreement ensuring workmanship and transparency. Of the 17 work orders, agreements were signed for nine, and construction has since begun. The Committee expressed concern that several firms refused to enter an agreement with it for the Foothills Road project. The firms in question include M/S Yanna Enterprises, M/S A. Pongshi Phom & Sons, M/S Shangpoh Konyak, M/S Onkho Construction & Supplier, M/S Ren Kik-E.Z.J & Co., M/S JK Constructions (two work orders), and M/S Chabou & Co.
In order to ensure transparency and quality workmanship, it extended the deadline for agreements until December 21, 2024, but the firms ignored the request even after personal appeals from the committee. In response NFHRCC held a consultative meeting with Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, and Sumi Hoho on January 16, 2025 and urged upon M/S Ren Kik-E.Z.J & Co., M/S JK Constructions, and M/S Chabou & Co. to sign by January 20, and warning of work order cancellations.
Further meetings followed with Phom People Council (PPC) on January 19, setting a January 23 deadline for M/S A. Pongshi Phom & Sons, and with Konyak Union on January 23, requesting compliance from M/S Yanna Enterprises, M/S Shangpoh Konyak, and M/S Onkho Construction & Supplier.
NFHRCC disclosed that on January 20, 2025, M/S JK Construction and M/S Chabou & Co collected agreements but failed to submit them by the deadline on January 26. In response, committee members met Dr. John, proprietor of M/S JK Construction, at his residence that evening, explaining the importance of signing the agreement. Dr. John stated he would discuss the matter with his son, who was overseeing the work, but no further response was received.
On February 4, 2025, three Apex Tribal Hohos-Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, and Sumi Hoho-invited Dr. John, M/S Chabou & Co, and M/S Ren Kik-E.Z.J & Co. for a meeting. However, to the committee’s shock, Dr. John walked out despite repeated appeals. Seeing this as an act of defiance, the Apex Tribal Hohos gave Lotha Hoho five days to ensure compliance and resolved that no defaulting firm would be allowed to proceed without signing the agreement.
Subsequently, PWD (R&B) Minister invited all 12 Apex Tribal Hohos on February 7, 2025, resolving to mediate with unsigned contractors. However, the department has yet to convene the meeting. On February 20, NFHRCC and 12 Apex and Dimapur-based Tribal Hohos unanimously decided that unsigned firms would not be permitted to execute the work.
The Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has strongly condemned M/S JK Construction and M/S Chabou & Co for forcibly launching construction at Baghty Division on February 21, 2025, under the leadership of Achumbemo Kikon, MLA. The construction was initiated without consulting the concerned department, violating established procedures and allegedly leveraging political power to override NFHRCC and the 12 Apex Tribal Hohos.
NFHRCC emphasized that in a democracy, the people’s voice is supreme, and no individual or politician holds absolute authority over the state. However, the committee accused MLA Achumbemo Kikon of disregarding democratic norms by undermining public consensus. The incident raises concerns about whether Nagaland is being governed democratically or through autocratic rule, where political power overrides established norms and procedures.
The committee also highlighted a longstanding issue in Nagaland’s development projects—many remain unfinished despite allocated funds being exhausted. To prevent the Foothills Road from meeting the same fate, NFHRCC has been working tirelessly to safeguard its completion.
In August 2023, the committee urged the concerned department to establish a tripartite agreement between the department, contractors, and NFHRCC to ensure accountability and prevent disputes. However, the department instead advised NFHRCC to enter bilateral agreements with contractors to maintain workmanship. Since its inception in 2013, the committee has followed this practice to promote transparency, ensure quality, and meet project deadlines.
NFHRCC asserted that it was acting in line with the Foothills Road Project’s concept, where the committee (Hohos/Naga public) is the project’s owner, the department serves as the nodal agent, and contractors execute the work. Therefore, the committee reiterated that it cannot be dismissed as a mere third party.