The Commissioner & Secretary, PWD (Works & Housing), on February 24, 2025 asserted that the Foothills Road project is fully funded and does not require third-party agreements. However, the NFHRCC has strongly countered this claim, stating that the project is not an ordinary one and therefore requires special measures beyond standard procedures
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The ongoing controversy over the Foothills Road project in Nagaland is unlikely to end soon as the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) and the Nagaland government’s PWD (Works & Housing) lock horns over contractors’ refusal to sign an agreement with the Committee. The NFHRCC has expressed deep concerns over the situation, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the project and urging cooperation from all stakeholders.
The Commissioner & Secretary, PWD (Works & Housing), on February 24, 2025 asserted that the Foothills Road project is fully funded and does not require third-party agreements. However, the NFHRCC has strongly countered this claim, stating that the project is not an ordinary one and therefore requires special measures beyond standard procedures.
Extraordinary Aspects of the Foothills Project
According to the NFHRCC, the Foothills Road stands out as an extraordinary project because of several unique factors. Landowners have voluntarily given up their land without compensation, Naga Political Groups have refrained from imposing taxes, and several tribal communities, including Chang, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, and Khiamniungan, have contributed despite having no direct land stake in the project. The project, initiated and supported by Naga public leaders under the guidance of apex tribal bodies, has also been built on principles of prayer and fasting, making it a significant public movement beyond just an infrastructure initiative.
Government Assurances and Funding Developments
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution on September 22, 2022, stating that the Foothills Road would be constructed through the North Eastern Council (NEC). However, after the formation of the new government, the project saw little progress, prompting the NFHRCC to approach the Governor. Following interventions from the Governor and Member of Parliament Pangnong, the project was eventually brought under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, leading to the issuance of 17 work orders worth Rs. 148.5 crore on December 14, 2024.
These work orders were awarded to 14 different firms, with some contractors willingly signing agreements with the NFHRCC to ensure workmanship and transparency. However, several contractors have refused to comply despite multiple consultations with apex tribal bodies, leading to rising tensions.
Contractor Disputes and Political Interference
The NFHRCC has listed seven firms that have refused to sign agreements, despite multiple deadlines and personal requests from committee members. These firms include M/S Yanna Enterprises, M/S A. Pongshi Phom & Sons, M/S Shangpoh Konyak, M/S Onkho Construction & Supplier, M/S Ren Kik-E.Z.J & Co., M/S JK Constructions (two work orders), and M/S Chabou & Co.
Despite resolutions passed by 12 apex tribal bodies and local hohos stating that unsigned firms would not be allowed to execute work, the NFHRCC alleges that M/S JK Construction and M/S Chabou & Co. forcibly commenced construction at Baghty Division on February 21, 2025. The Committee has strongly condemned the involvement of MLA Achumbemo Kikon in launching the construction work without consultation, accusing him of undermining democratic norms and exercising political power to override established agreements.
Call for Resolution and Future Actions
The NFHRCC maintains that all development projects in Nagaland are governed by terms and conditions and argues that the committee cannot be treated as a third party since it represents the stakeholders and original initiators of the project.
To prevent further escalation, the NFHRCC has called on the concerned authorities, including the PWD (R&B) department, to convene a meeting with all stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably. The Committee has also reiterated that without formal agreements, defaulting firms will not be allowed to proceed with construction.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the state government and the concerned parties to find a resolution that ensures the smooth continuation of this historic infrastructure project.\