The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has sealed the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) office of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Pfutsero, marking the start of the first phase of its agitation over the poor condition of the Kohima-Jessami road. The decision came after what the union described as the failure of authorities to address their concerns regarding the Chakhabama-Kikruma stretch of the road.
In a letter dated October 16, 2024, addressed to the General Manager of PMU-Pfutsero, NHIDCL, the CSU issued an ultimatum, demanding action on the “deplorable condition” of the road under Package-II. The union expressed disappointment that their demands “remain unfulfilled within the stipulated time.”
Following a site visit on October 19, 2024, the CSU found the repair and maintenance work to be “unsatisfactory and far below our expectation.” This led to the resolution passed during the 2nd Union Assembly, held the same day at the Pfutsero College Auditorium, to seal the PMU office “with immediate effect.”
The CSU stated that the lst Phase of Agitation shall be in effect until their demands are met which include the clearing of landslides and other obstacles that are hindering vehicular movement, proper repair of the potholes on the stretch, and the installation of an adequate drainage system. Additionally, they called for the termination of the contract with Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., a recommendation also made by the Phek district PMU in a letter dated June 13, 2024.
The union warned that if these issues remain unaddressed, they will be forced to escalate their actions against both the contractor and the implementing agency. The letter concluded by notifying the authorities that this serves as a “notice for your information and necessary compliance.”