The presidents of 15 Naga tribal hohos have expressed support for upgrading the Foothill Road into a two-lane National Highway, while urging the Government of Nagaland to expedite the process.
In a statement, the tribal hohos reiterated the significance of the consultative meeting held on April 7 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, convened by the state government through the National Highways and PWD (Roads & Bridges) departments.
They welcomed the “collective understanding” arrived at during the meeting and reaffirmed their support for the proposed upgrade of the Foothill Road.
The hohos urged the Government of Nagaland to “expedite the necessary proposals and pursue the matter with the Government of India at the earliest,” so as to translate the consensus into concrete action.
They also assured their “fullest cooperation” to the state government in facilitating the process, including extending support in engaging with landowners to ensure an amicable and mutually acceptable outcome for land required for the project.
At the same time, the tribal hohos appealed to the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) to “extend patience and allow the Government reasonable time” to take forward the process.
They further called on both the state government and the NFHRCC to engage in “constructive dialogue” and arrive at an amicable understanding in the larger interest of the people.
Reaffirming their commitment to “unity, cooperation, and the collective advancement of all sections of Naga society,” the hohos described the Foothill Road project as an important infrastructure initiative.
