The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) on Friday escalated its protest against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd., over what it described as “unacceptable delays and negligence” in completing the Kohima–Jessami Road (NH-29, Package 2).
The second phase of agitation, held at Kikruma village under the slogan “Enough is Enough!”, drew large participation from student bodies, village leaders, and concerned citizens. Protestors demanded immediate repair of the deteriorating road, which they said has become a major threat to commuters, especially with the onset of the monsoon season.
The Kohima–Jessami stretch is considered a critical link not only for Phek district but also for Meluri and Kiphire. Protestors carried placards with slogans such as “We Deserve Roads, Not Excuses,” “My Road, My Future,” and “Build Once, Build Right.”
CSU President Pfhülo Sara, addressing the gathering, declared: “The welfare of the people must be the final law. We will not stand idle in the face of such administrative apathy.”
The CSU laid out four core demands to the authorities: Immediate filling of potholes along the stretch; Clearance of landslide debris and other blockages; Construction of proper drainage systems; and Implementation of landslide and rockfall mitigation measures.
In its statement, the CSU warned that without urgent intervention, the road’s worsening condition—marked by potholes, landslides, and poor drainage—will endanger lives and further isolate remote areas.
Friday’s protest began with a prayer led by Vetsonüyo Tunyi, Catechist of North Kikruma, and was conducted by CSU Vice President Povozo Soho. Solidarity messages were delivered by Veswu Vero, President of the Kikruma Students’ Union, and Vesuta Kezo, President of the North Kikruma Students’ Union. Village Council Chairman Thipusüyo Tunyi and VDB Secretary Zavepra Puro also spoke, airing public grievances and calling for institutional accountability. CSU General Secretary Kuzoto Swuro gave the concluding remarks.
The protest follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by CSU on May 2 to NHIDCL and the EPC contractor, demanding immediate restoration work. In a strongly worded letter to the Executive Director of NHIDCL Kohima, the Union expressed “strongest condemnation and utmost displeasure” at the agencies’ failure to act. Despite seven formal representations and multiple site inspections since October 2024, the CSU claimed that no tangible progress has been achieved.
Copies of the ultimatum were also sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Phek, General Managers of NHIDCL Pfutsero Unit, Ratna Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., and Tamatae Construction.
The CSU has warned that failure to comply with their demands will result in further, intensified agitation. “We will hold the responsible agencies fully accountable for any consequences arising from continued neglect,” the Union stated.
(With inputs from Nagaland Today)