The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has expressed serious concern over the massive road sinking along National Highway-2 (Kohima-Mao Road) near Phesama village, and has appealed to the Kohima district administration for immediate intervention.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, the ASU said it was “constrained to seek your esteemed attention regarding the massive road sinking that has occurred along National Highway-2 (Kohima-Mao road), in the vicinity of Phesama village.”
While acknowledging and commending “the proactive concern demonstrated by the district administration and the State Government,” the Union raised alarm over what it described as “the lackadaisical workmanship exhibited by the NHIDCL, under whose responsibility several critical project falls.”
“The current state of affected stretch poses not only a severe threat to the lives of commuters,” the ASU warned, “but also reflects a larger lapse in accountability and quality control.”
The Union further highlighted the impact on students, stating that “a significant number of schools and college students have been severely impacted by the ongoing disruption.” It noted that “many continue to pursue their academic responsibilities under extremely challenging circumstances, with exams and daily classes being heavily hampered.”
The road damage has also disrupted “both intra- and inter-state travel,” affecting “livelihoods, essential services, and general mobility,” the Union said.
In its appeal, the ASU urged the Deputy Commissioner to initiate the following five key actions: “Expedite the restoration of the affected highway segment with the stringiest monitoring of quality and timeline”; “Provide a safe and viable alternate route for uninterrupted movements.”; “Facilitate transportation support for the students and daily commuters during disruption.”; “Extend financial and logistics assistance to affected communities, especially students and transport workers.”; and “Initiate long-term preventive measures and an audit of existing infrastructure under NHIDCL in the region.”
Reaffirming its role as a cooperative stakeholder, the ASU assured the administration of its “unwavering support and cooperation in all efforts aimed at restoring normalcy and safeguarding the wellbeing of our people.”