Restoration efforts at the landslide-stricken area of Melarü under Sechü-Zubza have come to a standstill for the second consecutive day, drawing sharp criticism from the Western Angami Public Organisation (WAPO).
WAPO accused the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) of gross incompetence and betraying the trust of the people, despite their continued support for the project.
WAPO information and publicity secretary, Neitho-o Nakhro, lambasted both NHIDCL and Brand Eagle, the contractors responsible for the site, for their persistent blame game. He condemned the stalemate, which has left not only Nagaland but also neighboring states in a critical situation.
“We’ve done everything in our power. We allowed the contractors to dump mud slurry into the Melarü River to expedite the work and even deployed the Jotsoma Youth Organisation to ensure security at the site,” Nakhro stated. “But despite our support, neither the contractor nor NHIDCL have shown the slightest commitment to restoring the road. It’s clear that the public’s support means nothing to them.” He stated.
Nakhro has asked NHIDCL and the contractors to surrender the project on moral grounds if they lack the capability or decency to complete the job.
He urged them to make way for competent local contractors, rather than allowing NHIDCL to delay the project while the people continue to suffer.
“NHIDCL always has an excuse – in dry seasons, it’s one thing, and in the rainy season, it’s another. How long are they going to play these dirty games?” Nakhro said. “Their attitude is nothing short of an insult to the Naga people and our right to safe roads.”
Nakhro also criticized the state government, questioning its silence and inaction in the face of a crisis that has crippled not just Nagaland, but neighboring states and the country as a whole.
He expressed dismay that the minister in charge of Roads and Bridges has yet to visit the site and argued that chief minister Neiphiu Rio should have personally intervened by now, given that the road is a lifeline for the state.
“How much longer must the people suffer before those in power decide to wake up and address this catastrophe?” Nakhro demanded. Public frustration is growing, with people from all walks of life voicing their outrage at what they perceive as the government’s indifference to their plight.