The NFHRCC also responded to MLA Achumbemo’s statement, where he questioned the necessity of involving NGOs in certain government matters. The committee emphasized that the Nagaland Foothill Road is an extraordinary project as Landowners have voluntarily parted with their land without any compensation
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has once again come into the spotlight after convening a press meet at Kheremahal, Dimapur. The committee raised several concerns, particularly regarding incidents that took place on January 16, where three Hohos — the Ao Senden, the Sumi, and the Lotha—passed resolutions mandating contractors who had received work orders for the Baghty division to sign an agreement by January 20, 2024. However, these contractors chose to remain silent on the matter.
The proprietor of JK Construction, Dr. John Murry, along with M/s Chapou Company, Chümoukedima, reportedly took the agreement from the committee’s office under the pretence of signing and returning it, but failed to do so. As a result, the committee personally visited Dr. John’s residence to urge him to sign the agreement, but he persistently refused. Following this, a meeting was held at Lotha Hoho in Wokha, where the three tribal bodies confronted Dr. John Murry about his reluctance to sign the agreement. During this meeting, Dr. John mentioned his personal interactions with the Chief Minister and the MLA, Mr. Achumbemo, before abruptly leaving the meeting, ignoring the appeals made by the tribal leaders.
In response, the Lotha Hoho took further initiatives by seeking a resolution. The two other tribal bodies granted five days to the Lotha Hoho to resolve the issue with Dr. John Murry. However, after the five-day deadline passed without any positive response, the Lotha Hoho leaders travelled to Kohima to meet MLA Achumbemo in person. Despite explaining the significance of the agreement and the project’s extraordinary nature, the MLA remained adamant and refused to sign. Consequently, on February 14, the Lotha Hoho passed a resolution stating that no unsigned contractors would be allowed to execute work within their jurisdiction. This resolution was publicly announced through the media on February 19.
Despite this resolution, on February 21, MLA Achumbemo, along with his team, proceeded with a so-called “launching” of the Foothill Road project without the presence of the NFHRCC, the concerned government department, or representatives from the Lotha Hoho. The committee has strongly opposed this move, stating that an official launch cannot occur without the participation of the relevant authorities. According to the NFHRCC, the event was merely an unofficial gathering of MLA Achumbemo and his associates, which they described as nothing more than a “picnic.”
The NFHRCC also responded to MLA Achumbemo’s statement, where he questioned the necessity of involving NGOs in certain government matters. The committee emphasized that the Nagaland Foothill Road is an extraordinary project for several reasons:
- Landowners have voluntarily parted with their land without any compensation.
- All Naga Nationalist Political Groups (NNPGs) have agreed not to impose any tax on the project.
- The project was initiated based on prayer and fasting on August 14, 2013, demonstrating its spiritual significance.
- Twelve Naga tribes, including those without direct landownership along the project’s stretch, have contributed and supported the initiative wholeheartedly.
The committee reiterated that applying ordinary bureaucratic procedures to such an extraordinary project would only create unnecessary conflicts. The NFHRCC also clarified that the agreement in question is not a new requirement but has been in practice since 2013. At that time, contractors willingly signed it and executed their work efficiently. Out of the 17 work orders issued for this phase, nine contractors have already signed the agreement and commenced work, while eight others continue to resist.
The committee expressed disappointment that contractors who received multi-crore work orders without financial investment are now refusing to sign the agreement, undermining the trust and integrity of the project. They believe this defiance directly contradicts the collective decision of the twelve Naga tribes and urged MLA Achumbemo to reconsider his stance. The NFHRCC also called on contractors to respect the traditions and interests of the Naga public and abide by the agreement, which is intended to ensure proper workmanship and adherence to deadlines.
Two key clauses of the agreement—Point No. 5 and Point No. 7—were highlighted as sources of contention:
- Point No. 5 states that no deductions beyond statutory requirements will be imposed, ensuring that contractors do not face unnecessary financial burdens that might compromise work quality.
- Point No. 7 mandates that no contractor’s bill will be cleared without an inspection and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the NFHRCC. This measure is intended to uphold quality standards and prevent substandard execution of work.
Despite some contractors expressing discomfort with these clauses, the NFHRCC emphasized that modifying or removing them would undermine the entire purpose of the agreement. The committee also asserted that the legal validity of the agreement could stand in court, as it is driven by public interest and has been in place since the inception of the project.
Looking ahead, the NFHRCC has taken the following steps:
- A formal letter will be sent to the Sumi Hoho and Lotha Hoho, urging them to take necessary actions against the violation of the January 16 resolution by MLA Achumbemo.
- The committee will communicate with the Konyak Union and People’s Council to ensure that the contractors operating in their respective jurisdictions sign the agreement and start work as per the established guidelines.
- A meeting with the CNC (Christian Network Council) is scheduled to deliberate on further actions.
- The committee is determined to halt any unauthorized work until the agreement is duly signed by all contractors.
Regarding MLA Achumbemo’s statement that additional agreements with external groups would undermine government authority, the NFHRCC countered by stating that the MLA has failed to grasp the extraordinary nature of this project. The committee reminded him that the project predates his tenure as an MLA and that his statements reflect a lack of understanding of the project’s history and significance.
The NFHRCC remains firm in its stance, emphasizing that the Foothill Road project belongs to the people of Nagaland and that they will take all necessary measures to ensure its proper execution in line with the agreement. The committee has urged contractors, government officials, and elected representatives to respect the collective vision and sacrifices of the twelve Naga tribes in making this project a success.