Various Sümi organizations like the Sumi Hoho have called for constructive dialogue among all stakeholders to ensure the smooth progress of the Foothills Road project while Satakha Tokukujo Kukami Kuqhakulu (STKK) and Sümi Hoho, Sümi Youth Organization (SYO) have condemned the statement made by Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) against senior legislator and minister (R&B) G Katio Aye.
Sümi Hoho: In a statement, Sümi Hoho has urged all parties concerned to engage in constructive dialogue, resolve differences through mutual understanding, and prioritise the successful completion of the vital Foothills Road project.
As the Foothills Road was fundamentally a people’s road, Sümi Hoho president Dr Vihuto Asumi in a statement emphasised that it was imperative that all stakeholders — authorities and contractors alike — respected and prioritised the collective voice of the people.
He said the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee’s (NFHRCC) demand for formal agreements reflected the community’s rightful expectation for transparency and adherence to quality standards.
However, he termed the recent exchanges in print and social media as deeply regrettable, highlighting that public disagreements and personal attacks did not serve the cause of development but rather deepened divisions and hurt communal harmony.
As the people of Nagaland deserved quality infrastructure, Asumi called upon all stakeholders involved to set aside differences, act rationally, and work in unity to ensure that the construction resumed without further delay.
“Let the Nagaland Foothills Road stand as a symbol of our collective commitment to progress, connectivity, and development,” he exhorted. He quoted former US President John F Kennedy, “American roads are not good because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good,” pointing out that this sentiment underscored the transformative power of infrastructure in fostering growth and prosperity.
He appealed for unity in efforts to build a road that not only connected lands but also paved the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all. Extending heartfelt appreciation to the state government Nagaland for initiating the Foothills Road project, a crucial infrastructure undertaking that had remained incomplete for nearly one-and-a-half decades, Asumi particularly acknowledged the leadership of chief minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Roads and Bridges minister Kaito Aye for the commitment to advancing this long-awaited project.
He also commended NFHRCC for its unwavering efforts in ensuring the timely completion of the project without compromising quality.
Representing 12 tribal bodies, he maintained that the NFHRCC had played a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of the people by advocating for high standards in construction and accountability in execution of the project.
Satakha Tokukujo Kukami Kuqhakulu: The Satakha Tokukujo Kukami Kuqhakulu (STKK) has strongly condemned the recent derogatory remarks issued under the guise of the NFHRCC, which deliberately targeted esteemed leader and senior legislator G Kaito Aye through personal attacks and unfounded character assassination.
Acknowledging the NFHRCC’s past contributions to public welfare, including its role in advancing the Foothills Road project, STKK chairman Akukau S Yetovi Zhimo, general secretary Akukau Vikugha Zhimo, and adviser Akukau Hokugha Swu in a press release said they were appalled by its reckless deviation into alienating language that undermined the dignity of a tall leader devoted to serving Nagaland and its people.
They mentioned that the tone and content of the NFHRCC’s statement transgressed the basic tenets of civility and mutual respect expected of anybody entrusted with public responsibility.
According to them, to weaponise language against an elected representative and shifting focus from constructive discourse to malicious insinuations not only dishonoured the spirit of collaboration but also jeopardised the collective progress of the state. They cautioned that such actions driven by personal agendas rather than public interest would cast doubt on the committee’s credibility and raise questions about its commitment to its proclaimed goals.
They said Aye’s steadfast dedication to the Foothills Road project and his relentless efforts to uplift marginalised communities along Nagaland’s foothills stood as testament to his integrity, pointing out that his work transcended politics, focusing solely on delivering tangible progress for those long deprived of connectivity and opportunity.
Stating that the GB association and all citizens of Satakha had been greatly insulted, the duo demanded an immediate and unequivocal withdrawal of the offensive statements, accompanied by a public apology from the NFHRCC for tarnishing the minister’s reputation and inflicting anguish upon the people he serves.
They urged the committee to refrain from employing such inflammatory tactics further, as it threatened to destabilise public trust and derail crical development initiatives. They called upon all stakeholders to rise above petty discord and prioritise Nagaland’s shared aspirations.
Stressing that leaders and institutions must be shielded from baseless attacks and public interest defended with unwavering resolve, they called for channelising energies not into divisive exaggerations but foster unity, accountability and progress.
They maintained that the people of Satakha and Nagaland at large deserved nothing less than leaders and organisations that honoured their mandate with dignity, humility and an unyielding focus on the common progress.
Sümi Youth Organisation: Meanwhile, acknowledging the NFHRCC for its proactive engagement regarding the adherence of contractors to execute the work outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Foothills Road, the Sümi Youth Organisation (SYO) said it was however disheartened by the disparaging remarks directed toward Road & Bridges minister G Kaito Aye.
In a communiqué, SYO president Hikavi H Kinimi and joint secretary Vinnoka Achumi mentioned that the NFHRCC’s words such as “very unfortunate”, “not capable to understand the concept of the Foothills Road till date”, and “It now have no option but appeal to the state Chief Minister to intervene and educate the minister in-charge through all means” appeared to stem from ill-intent, potentially aimed at discrediting his reputation and undermining his position in the cabinet.
Viewing these assertions as not only irresponsible but also lacking analytical rigour, they claimed that in the estimation of right-thinking citizens, such remarks of the NFHRCC were surprising and unwarranted. They said they interpreted these statements as neither in the public interest nor in good faith, and deemed it as wrong.
SYO leaders appealed the NFHRCC to adopt a more cautious approach in its statement in the near future, as these kinds of statements were detrimental and counter-productive in the committee’s endeavour, harming the reputation of a democratically-elected leader representing a constituency and the general public.