A dedicatory programme of the historic two-lane RCC bridge over river Doyang at Governor’s camp, Liphanyan under Wokha district was held on Saturday, organized by Nagaland Foothill Road Co-ordination Committee (NFHRCC).
Christian Forum Dimapur chairman, Rev Moses Murry dedicated the bridge which was initiated by Ao, Chang, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung and Zeliang tribes. The bridge is considered to be the longest bridge in the State spanning 134.8 metres (442.25 feet) in length.
Speaking at the programme, NFHRCC convener Supu Jamir clarified that even though the bridge was virtually inaugurated by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on January 6, the dedicatory programme was organized since the project was initiated based on the strength of prayer and fasting held on August 14, 2013.
“The project would have died long back if God Almighty was not with the Nagas,” Supu said and maintained that the committee was obligated to hold the dedicatory programme.
He said the project was based on the proverb “Where there is a will there is a way”.
Speaking on the formation of the committee, Supu said the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur had initially proposed for the construction of foothill road in 2013 and after which, under the aegis of 12 tribal organizations, NFHRCC was constituted. The leaders of the tribal bodies were committed right from the beginning, he added.
On the allegations of misappropriation of Rs. 36.56 lakhs donated by Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) towards the project, Supu said God was the witness and that the committee never touched or even received the amount. He clarified that since the committee was a pressure group, the amount was donated to the state government by ABAM, which was later returned to ABAM.
Supu recalled that during the course the project carried out by the committee, they had come across many untoward situations, even to the extent of humiliation, accusation and mockery, with no fault of the committee, by those who had little or no knowledge at all of what was going on. He also said that the project was cemented on the principles that under no circumstances the project would be politicized.
Supu acknowledged the chief minister and the department concern for reposing their faith in the committee for the project. He also acknowledged the landowners for sacrificing their lands without seeking any compensation, and also thanked all Naga Political groups for not levying any tax for the said project.
With regard to the delay in inaugurating the bridge, which was completed in November 2022, Supu said the chief minister was requested to inaugurate the bridge on December 12, keeping in mind the Hornbill festival.
However, owing to chief minister’s busy schedule, the inaugural was further postponed. NFHRCC then again wrote to the CM’s office requesting that the inaugural programme be held before December 20 as a Christmas gift to Nagas, but received no positive response.
However, he said the committee was shocked on hearing the news that the bridge was to be virtually inaugurated on January 6 by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, without prior information to the committee.
Leaving aside all these issues, Supu expressed hope that the bridge would act and resemble as a sign of unity amongst all Nagas and the 12 tribes in particular.
In his brief speech, contractor of the project (M/s Phukhato Shohe & sons) Abel P Shohe said that the work order was issued in 2014, however, the work got delayed owing several factors like border dispute between Adivasis and the Lotha tribe, obstruction due to release of water from the 75 MW dam upstream, ULB election issue in 2015, demonetization in 2016, implementation of GST bill in 2017, discontinuation of SPA funding, COVID-19 lockdown etc.
He expressed regret that some section had hurled accusations without knowing the real picture, without approaching the concerned authorities to get the clear picture.
The contractor thanked people of the area, PWD (R&B) Dimapur, CE’s (R&B) office for their support and cooperation and also the chief minister and the state government for making this project a reality. Shohe also thanked the tireless effort of the committee, without which the project could not have been a success story.
Short speeches were also delivered by Central Nagaland Tribes Council president Lanu Imchen, Young Naga Action Committee on Foothill Road president Sunep. Vice president Chang Khulei Setshang also spoke on behalf of Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization.
All speakers acknowledged the landowners for their contribution and also expressed hope that the bridge would act as the bridge that would unify all Nagas and the 12 tribes in particular.
They further assured support and cooperation to NFHRCC in matters regarding the construction.
Earlier, the prgramme was chaired by NFHRCC co-convener Hokiye Yepthomi, invocation by associate pastor LBC, pastor Yanbemo Ovung, and keynote address by general secretary, NFHRCC, W Lemba Chang.
Vote of thanks was offered by NFHRCC asst. general secretary Chenithung Humtsoe and benediction pronounced by former NFHRCC member Rev Among Phom.
