WSSU demands restoration of Niuland–Zhadima road

The Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has demanded the urgent and permanent restoration of the Niuland–Ghotovi–Tsogin–Zhadima–Kohima Road, a long-neglected alternate route to the State capital.
In a press release, WSSU stated that representing the concerns of communities along the Niuland–Zhadima belt, the union condemned the Government’s continued inaction despite the road’s strategic importance for connectivity to Kohima, Wokha and Zunheboto.
According to WSSU, the route has suffered years of neglect while public funds are disproportionately spent on NH-29, which the Union described as a “death trap” due to frequent landslides and accidents. In contrast, the Niuland–Zhadima road — deemed more viable and reliable — remains in a state of disrepair.
The union cited a 2016 order from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that sanctioned Rs. 321.15 crore for the construction of the Dimapur–Kohima Capital bypass via Niuland–Zhadima under the ISC scheme. Nearly a decade later, WSSU claimed that no tangible progress has been made on the ground, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability. Villages such as Ghotovi and Hovishe, located along the route, continue to face daily hardships, economic losses, and repeated roadblocks due to the deteriorated condition of the road. WSSU described the situation as a grave injustice and a failure of governance.
Declaring that no further “empty assurances” will be accepted, the Union called for immediate commencement of permanent construction works. It warned that failure to act within a reasonable timeframe would compel WSSU, along with Niuland-based organizations and village authorities, to initiate strong democratic protests, including road blockades and mass agitation. The Union emphasized that this statement should be treated as a final warning and urged the Government to prioritize the restoration of the Niuland–Ghotovi–Tsogin–Zhadima–Kohima road without delay.