The construction of the Nagaland Foothills Road, often hailed as an extraordinary people’s project due to landowners parting with their land without compensation and the non-imposition of tax by Naga Political Groups, has hit a roadblock as several contractors refuse to sign the Implementation Agreement with the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC).
In December 2024, the Nagaland government issued 17 work orders under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, totaling Rs 148.5 crore, to 14 firms. The NFHRCC, in keeping with its established practice of ensuring transparency and workmanship, invited all firms to sign an Implementation Agreement on December 17, 2024. However, only nine work orders were signed and construction commenced, while seven firms withheld their signatures despite multiple deadlines and appeals.
According to NFHRCC, the firms refusing to sign include: M/S Yanna Enterprises, M/S A. Pongshi Phom & Sons, M/S Shangpoh Konyak, M/S Onkho Construction & Supplier, M/S Ren Kik-E.Z.J & Co., M/S JK Construction (2 work orders) and M/S Chabou & Co.
NFHRCC, apex Tribal Hohos intervene but face resistance
In an effort to resolve the deadlock, the NFHRCC engaged with Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Sumi Hoho, Phom People’s Council, and Konyak Union, urging the contractors to comply. Multiple deadlines were given, extending from December 21, 2024, to late January 2025, but the contractors ignored the committee’s requests, the NFHRCC stated in a statement.
On January 26, 2025, NFHRCC members personally met Dr John, proprietor of JK Construction, at his residence to explain the significance of signing the agreement. While he initially assured a response after consulting his son, no action was taken. On February 4, 2025, the three Apex Tribal Hohos—Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, and Sumi Hoho—invited representatives from JK Construction, Chabou & Co., and Ren Kik-E.Z.J & Co. for discussions.
However, Dr John walked out of the meeting without providing any justification, leading the Hohos to set a five-day ultimatum for Lotha Hoho to resolve the matter.
Minister intervenes; no issues found in agreement
Amid the impasse, the Minister of PWD (R&B) convened a meeting with 12 Apex Tribal Hohos on February 7, 2025, to review the agreement. After thorough deliberation, the Minister found no fault in the agreement and expressed the department’s willingness to hold discussions with the NFHRCC.
NFHRCC demands action as working season nears end
With crucial time for construction slipping away, the NFHRCC has now issued a fervent appeal to the PWD Minister and the department to take decisive action. The committee has called for immediate directive for defaulting firms to sign the Implementation Agreement; Cancellation of work orders for non-compliant firms; and Reallocation of projects to firms willing to uphold transparency and workmanship.