Opposition to the proposed installation of an advanced Mountain Radar System in Pfutsero is intensifying, with the Razeba Public Organization (RPO) formally joining the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) in objecting to the project over concerns related to environmental sustainability, indigenous land rights and the future of the region’s eco-tourism economy.
In a statement, the RPO expressed “considered and unequivocal opposition” to the proposed radar installation, warning that the project could have long-term ecological consequences for Pfutsero’s fragile highland ecosystem while also undermining the area’s tourism potential.
Pfutsero and its surrounding landscapes, regarded for their ecological significance and scenic appeal, could face extensive land alteration through vegetation clearance and infrastructure expansion if the project proceeds, the organisation said.
“The proposed installation would entail extensive land alteration, including vegetation clearance and associated infrastructure development, leading to irreversible changes in the natural landscape,” the RPO stated.
According to the organisation, such interventions could threaten biodiversity, disrupt endemic flora and fauna, and alter the ecological balance of one of Nagaland’s environmentally sensitive regions.
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Beyond land modification, the RPO also raised concerns over the potential operational impact of the radar system itself, including electromagnetic emissions and continuous mechanical activity, which it said may affect wildlife behaviour and habitat stability.
The organisation further argued that the project could directly impact Pfutsero’s growing eco-tourism sector, which depends heavily on the region’s natural beauty, climate and relative tranquility.
“The introduction of large-scale defense infrastructure, along with attendant restrictions and disturbances, would materially diminish its attractiveness,” it stated, cautioning that such changes could affect livelihoods linked to community-led tourism and small-scale enterprises.
At the core of the opposition is also the issue of indigenous land rights and community consent.
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RPO strongly objected to what it described as the use of indigenous land for militarisation without prior and informed consent of local communities, stating that the proposal raises broader concerns regarding land ownership, community autonomy and the long-term social consequences of converting civilian landscapes into strategic zones.
“Development and national security objectives must be pursued in a manner that respects the rights, identity, and aspirations of the people who inhabit these lands,” the organisation stated.
The RPO urged competent authorities to reconsider the proposed site and ensure that any future decision is preceded by comprehensive impact assessments, transparent review mechanisms and meaningful stakeholder consultation.
The statement also reaffirmed RPO’s solidarity with the Chakhesang Public Organisation, signalling widening public resistance to the project.
