NFHRCC seek official recognition

Nagaland Foothills Road Co-ordination Committee (NFHRCC), backed by Apex Tribal Hohos and Dimapur-based Tribal Hohos, has submitted a formal appeal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) seeking official empanelment as the supervisory body for the Trans Nagaland Highway (Foothills Road) project.
In a joint representation addressed to the secretary, MoRTH, dated August 29, the committee highlighted the historical background of the Foothills Road initiative, noting that earlier efforts by the Nagaland government in 1974 and 1993 had failed to take off. NFHRCC was constituted in 2013 by the Apex Tribal Hohos to oversee the project, which has since been termed a “People’s Project” due to voluntary land contributions and tax exemptions facilitated through negotiations with landowners and Naga political groups.
The committee underscored its role in supervising and monitoring the project over the past 13 years in close coordination with relevant departments. It assured MoRTH that the Right of Way (RoW) would be made available once the committee is officially empanelled, citing Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards Nagaland’s unique land ownership and customary practices.
NFHRCC urged the ministry to formally recognize its role to ensure transparency, quality workmanship, and timely completion of the highway project. The representation was jointly signed by leaders of 13 tribal bodies, including Ao Senden, Chang Khulei Setshang, Konyak Union, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Lotha Hoho, Phom Peoples’ Council, Rengma Hoho, Northern Sumi Community Dimapur, Tikhir Tribal Council, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimkhuing Tribal Council, and Nagaland Zeliang Peoples’ Organisation.
In a separate joint consultative meeting held at the NFHRCC Base Office, Kher Mahal, Dimapur, tribal leaders resolved all prior miscommunication and clarified that the Trans Nagaland Highway and Foothills Road refer to the same infrastructure initiative. The apex tribal hohos reaffirmed their decision to remain within the NFHRCC framework and emphasized that the road is a shared asset of the Naga people, connecting various regions and communities.
Declaring the highway as a project belonging to all Nagas, the meeting stressed that it should not be viewed as an issue between landowners and non-landowners.
The gathering also resolved to appeal to MoRTH to release the remaining sanctioned amount for the two-lane Trans Nagaland Highway and to expedite the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the remaining stretch.
The resolution was signed by NFHRCC convenor Supu Jami and secretary Chenithung Humtsoe.