‘Not at all touching even an inch’: Six tribal bodies say
Rengma Union adds: “Part of the landowners, yet excluded from consultation is beyond our comprehension.”
In a joint statement issued by six tribal organisations based in Dimapur, concerns have been raised over what they describe as the exclusion and marginalisation of several tribes in the ongoing developments related to the Trans-Nagaland Foothills Road project.
Signed by the Presidents of the Chang Union Dimapur, Khiamniungan Union Dimapur, Sangtam Union Dimapur, Western Yimkhiung Hoho, Tikhir Union Dimapur, and the Rengma Peoples’ Organisation Dimapur, the statement strongly criticised the manner in which the project is being handled and the lack of inclusivity in its current phase.
Describing the Foothills Road as a “historic project,” the tribal bodies stated that the Nagaland Foothills Road was fully conceptualised by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) in 2013, with the objective to “safeguard the Nagas from the yoke of humiliation and atrocities” and to usher in “economic progress and development,” especially by addressing the issue of “educated unemployment among the young Nagas who are drawing into the ocean of frustration due to lack of innovations and farsightedness of our State.”
However, the joint signatories expressed anguish that large areas inhabited by the Chang, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, and Tikhir tribes have been completely left out. “Foothills Road stretching about 395 Kms from Khelma Peren district to Tizit Mon district wherein the Land of Chang, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Yimkhiung and Tikhir are not at all touching even an inch,” they said.
Adding to their grievances, the Rengma tribe noted their surprise at not being consulted despite being “part of the landowners.” The joint statement read: “Most surprisingly, Rengma tribe being part of the landowners was excluded in the consultations is beyond our comprehension.”
Referring to their longstanding support for the project, the tribal unions emphasized that they have “sacrificed financially, physically and mentally at the best of our ability for almost 13 years with full dedication and sincerity through thick & thin.
” They further stated that “many of our tall leaders have sacrificed for this People’s Project till they breathed the last,” while others continue to do so “with tears and sweat.”
Declaring that the Foothills Road is a “People’s Road and not a landowner’s road,” the groups questioned:
“Had it been interpreted as ‘Landowner’s Road’ or an exclusive road for only section people’s road? Why were we invited at the first instance and why are we being chased away like an intruder after sacrificing and using all our resources for almost 13 years? Why are we treading like an uninvited guest?”
They further asserted, “We are here not because we don’t have anything to do but we are here despite busy engagements just for the sake of survival and progress of Nagas at large.”
The tribal bodies also took note of the discussions in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, stating: “This year 2025 in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Foothills Project was debated loud and clear. Then, now, what happened to our popularly elected representatives? Are they not capable or qualified to discuss the Foothills Project?”
Criticising the lack of transparency and engagement, they added: “Where are our Apex Tribal Hohos who have shouldered this historic project for almost 13 years? Is there any hidden agenda(s)? Be honest and clear—we are not here as a stumbling block for development. We are here to reason, innovate and to work together for the progress and development of our Nagaland state.”
The statement expressed particular disappointment that, while all Apex Tribal Hohos and MLAs were invited to a meeting held on 30th April 2025, they have not been invited to the next meeting scheduled for 7th August 2025, calling it “very painful and hard to digest.”
