Representatives of 13 Dimapur-based Tribal Hohos have urged the Chief Minister to ensure the issuance of the 2nd Phase work order for the Foothills Road project on or before March 31, 2026, warning that failure to do so would compel them to “resort to all democratic means.”
In a representation addressed to the Chief Minister, the tribal bodies expressed appreciation for the government’s support towards the Foothills Road project – popularly known as the “Nagaland People’s Road” – but stressed that the remaining formalities must not be delayed any further.
The Foothills Road project, covering a stretch of 395.9 kilometers from Tizit in Mon district to Khelma in Peren district, passes through eight districts and more than 200 villages. The signatories described it as one of the “noblest initiatives of the people of Nagaland.”
The tribal HOHOs urged the government to direct the NPWD (Road & Bridge) to expedite the issuance of work orders for the remaining divisions under the 2nd Phase of the project before March 31, 2026.
They stated that if the deadline is not met, “the people shall not tolerate further delay” and would be compelled to adopt democratic means to press their demand.
The representation recalled that the Minister for PWD (Road & Bridge) had earlier publicly stated that he would not hesitate to resign should the Foothills Road project fail.
It further noted that despite the expiry of a stipulated 12-month period in December 2025, certain contractor firms M/s JK Constructions and M/s Chabou & Co., particularly under Baghty Division were reportedly unable to complete the works satisfactorily in terms of quality and progress.
According to the letter, following public pressure and departmental review, a show cause notice was issued to the firms on February 4, 2026. The Minister subsequently visited the work sites on February 7 and set March 31, 2026 as the revised deadline for completion.
The tribal bodies stated that failure to complete the works within the stipulated deadline, or compromise in quality workmanship, would be an “unpardonable setback” to what they described as a people-driven project.
While clarifying that the public does not intend to single out any particular department or representative, the Hohos emphasized that in a democratic setup, concerned departments and elected representatives are answerable to the people.