Lotha Lower Range Public Organization (LLRPO) and Lotha Lower Range Students Union (LLRSU) have separately reacted to the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC)’s remark that Achumbemo Kikon was “just a mere MLA (40 Bhandari) without portfolio.” In a press release, LLRPO president T Amon Kikon expressed deep dismay over NFHRCC’s remark against one of the State’s most capable MLAs as “mere MLA”.
LLRPO said that each of the 60 MLAs played a pivotal role in functioning the legislature. The LLRPO cautioned that “such dismissive remarks” would undermine the “dynamic leadership” of the incumbent MLA.
On the tussle between the State government and NFRCC, the LLRPO urged all involved parties to reach a consensus that prioritized and benefited the interest of the general public.
LLRPO asserted that the longest stretch of the Foothill Road fell under its jurisdiction, adding that it had been closely monitoring the construction since its inception. LLRPO said it attended the formal inaugural re-launching of the Foothill Road construction on February 21, 2025 held at Khumjo Yan under Bhandari sub division of Wokha district, a project that had been stagnant for several years.
Regarding the launching programme, LLRPO lauded the state government and MLA 40 AC Achumbemo Kikon, for their timely intervention giving paramount interest in realizing the long-awaited road into reality.
LLRPO has assured to supervise quality workmanship within its jurisdiction and continue to cooperate to ensure the road’s completion within the specific time frame.
The organization also appealed to all stakeholders to extent cooperation to achieve the project’s completion.
LLRSU: Lotha Lower Range Students Union (LLRSU) through its president L Thunga Kithan stated that the Bhandari constituency was represented by Achumbemo, MLA, who was elected by the voters to represent their interests and concerns at the state level.
Therefore, the union said NFHRCC, in addition to downplaying the importance of the job, calling the MLA a “mere MLA” disregarded the democratic mandate and the wishes of the electorate.
Asserting it “fully understands and respects” the NFHRCC’s intentions regarding the ongoing issue, LLRSU reminded the NFHRCC to carefully address the statement that an MLA was an elected representative of the people in the Legislative Assembly regardless of whether they hold a Ministerial or Advisor position with a portfolio.
LLRSU expressed gratitude to Achumbemo, MLA, for his tireless efforts on behalf of the 40 Bhandari constituency, where his leadership “never fails to work for the people.”
Meanwhile, the student body stated that Foot Hill Road Project, which was formally started at Khumjo Village under Bhandari sub-division, Wokha District, was “something” that it “firmly supports”. LLRSU further said it “fully understands and respects” the NFHRCC intentions regarding the ongoing issue. It said the ongoing project has been a long-cherished dream of the people under Bhandari Sub-division.
Stating that it was “aware of the constant verbal sparring”, LLRSU affirmed to monitor the long-awaited project that has officially started as it would benefit not only the Lothas but also the Nagas in general.
While acknowledging the “admirable goals” of the like-minded individual organizations, LLRSU said it cannot afford to allow “this halt” to continue since it will impede the people’s long-awaited ambition.
LLRSU said it would be actively supervising and overseeing the project’s execution inside its headquarters and ensure strict adherence to the detailed project report (DPR). LLRSU has, therefore, sought cooperation on the ongoing FHR project.
MYKE: Office of the Mekokla Yanchu Kyong Ekhung through its media wing has demanded the NFHRCC to explain why and how their “popularly elected leader” from 40 Bhandari A/C Achumbemo kikon was mere MLA?