Ao Senden issues ultimatum for urgent repair of NH 61 VK Town-Doyang stretch

The Ao Senden has through a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, served an ultimatum demanding urgent repairs on the NH 61 (new NH-02) stretch between VK Town and Doyang. Signed by Marsanen Imsong, President, and General Secretary Imtipokyim, the letter emphasized the necessity of restoring the road within a stipulated 30-day timeframe.

In its ultimatum, the apex body representing the Ao Naga community stated that “the VK Town-Doyang stretch of NH 61 is situated in the jurisdiction of the District Administration of Zunheboto” and stressed its vital role as “the only direct link between Mokokchung District and Kohima, the State Capital.”

“It is practically impossible to make a detour of the riverbed of National Highway 61 to reach Kohima,” the Ao Senden stated, adding, “The people of Mokokchung are the worst affected due to the pathetic condition of this National Highway.”  It also mentioned how, currently, the Mokokchung-Mariani (NH 702D) and Mokokchung-Amguri (NH 02) roads are also not pliable for light vehicles.

The Ao Senden stated in the letter, “This road remains the only alternative for both the people of Mokokchung and a number of Eastern Districts, not only for official and personal purposes but also for patients needing advanced medical treatment.”

The Ao Senden asserted that the road’s condition has become “unfit for travel, causing immense hardship to the people.” The apex body pointed out the long-standing demand for a reliable road, an aspiration that has remained unmet for over a decade. It further expressed disappointment in the authorities, claiming that responsible officials have “failed to administer and execute the development due to lackadaisical attitude and self-interest,” leading to the current predicament.

“We implore that the Government of the day has to identify and hold accountable those responsible for these lapses,” it added.

The Ao Senden also cited a resolution passed in an Ao Senden Sanen Luden meeting urging immediate repairs to make the road passable within the next 30 days as a “contingency measure” and demanded the expedited completion of the two-lane project without further delay.

The letter warned, “In the event of failure to address these issues within the stipulated time, we reserve the right to take our own course of action as deemed befitting by us.”

MT