Dimapur based hohos urge CM to issue phase-II order for FHR

Representatives of 13 Dimapur-based tribal Hohos have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland urging issuance of the second phase work order for the Foothills Road (FHR) project under the SASCI loan scheme on or before March 31, 2026, cautioning that failure to do so would compel the tribes to resort to democratic means of protest.
In the memorandum, the tribal bodies– Dimapur Lotha Hoho, Chang Union Dimapur, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Sangtam Union Dimapur, Zeliang People’s Organization Dimapur, Northern Sumi Community Dimapur, Tikhir Union Dimapur, Konyak Union Dimapur, Khiamniungan Union Dimapur, Western Rengma Hoho, Kuki Union Dimapur, Western Chakhesang Hoho and Western Yimkhiung Hoho, expressed appreciation to the chief minister for his support to the Nagaland Foothills Road project- also referred to as the “Nagaland People’s Road”- since its inception in 2013.
The 395.9-km project connects Tizit in Mon district to Khelma in Peren district, passing through eight districts and over 200 villages. They noted that under the chief minister’s patronage, the two-lane project under the first phase of the SASCI loan scheme was nearing completion. In this regard, they urged him to direct the NPWD (Roads & Bridges) to expedite issuance of work orders for the remaining divisions under Phase-II within the stipulated deadline.
The memorandum further recalled that PWD (R&B) minister had earlier publicly stated that he would not hesitate to step down if the Foothills Road project failed. However, it alleged that after expiry of the stipulated 12-month period in December 2025, contractors M/s JK Constructions and M/s Chabou & Co in Baghty division had not delivered the works satisfactorily in terms of quality and progress.
It stated that following pressure from various quarters, the department issued show cause notices to the firms on February 4, 2026, and that the Minister personally inspected the sites on February 7, citing communication gaps and setting March 31, 2026 as the new completion deadline.
The hohos maintained that if works in Baghty division or other affected stretches are not completed within the revised timeline and quality standards are compromised, it would amount to a serious setback to a project regarded as belonging to the people.
While clarifying that there was no intention to single out any department or individual, they emphasised that in a democratic system, the concerned authorities remain accountable to the public.