The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has seized three vehicles belonging to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and one government-registered vehicle, citing “a lackadaisical attitude and utter disregard” for its directives issued earlier this week.
The seizure comes as part of the second phase of the CSU’s agitation against NHIDCL and M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. over what the Union described as “nonfulfillment of commitments” made to it.
In a statement issued on Monday, the CSU said that “with reference to the notification dated 11 May 2025 vide ref. no. CSU/PR/2024-26/10,” the following government vehicles are exempted from the agitation: Medical Services, Administrative Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police and Paramilitary Force; and Power and PHE Department Staff on Duty.
Despite this exemption list and “prior warnings issued on May 11, 2025, which were widely disseminated through the media and social media platforms to NHIDCL, EPC contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Private Limited, and the operator of the Government-Registered Vehicle,” the CSU stated, “it is unfortunate that the Union had to seize 3 NHIDCL Vehicles and 1 Government-Registered Vehicle.”
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“This clearly reflects a lackadaisical attitude and utter disregard for the directives of the CSU,” the Union added.
Reaffirming its position, the CSU declared, “Once again, the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) reiterates its unwavering commitment and stand toward the demands made by the Union and shall remain steadfast in its pursuit.”
“The agitation will continue with full intensity until the demands of the CSU are met,” the Union warned, calling on “all concerned parties” to ensure “strict compliance and adherence to this directive.”
PTBA slams NHIDCL, contractor over ‘unacceptable delay’ in Chakhabama-Kikruma Road Project
The Pfutsero Town Business Association (PTBA) has strongly condemned the “unacceptable delay” in the completion of the Chakhabama-Kikruma section under Package 2 of the Kohima-Jessami Road project, sanctioned under the Government of India’s flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana scheme.
In a press statement, the PTBA stated that “despite being sanctioned under the Government of India’s flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana, the project has witnessed negligible progress.” It attributed the prolonged delay to “persistent inaction by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the executing contractor, Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd.,” under the EPS mode, adding that this has “severely disrupted regional connectivity and transportation.”
Vekusu Chuzho, Vice President of the Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI) and President of PTBA, voiced “serious concern over NHIDCL’s lack of effective planning, oversight, monitoring, and enforcement.” He noted that “large portions of the road remain impassable, particularly during the monsoon season, leaving trucks and essential vehicles stranded for hours or days.” The resulting damage to goods and vehicles, along with increased transportation costs, has caused “significant disruption to trade, mobility, and economic activity in the region,” he said.
Chuzho further extended “full support and solidarity to the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) for their proactive stance in defending public welfare and infrastructure rights.” He stated that “the CSU’s ongoing agitation reflects the collective frustration of the community and underscores the urgent need for corrective action.”
Echoing the sentiment, Truvi Rhi, Joint Secretary of PDCCI and General Secretary of PTBA, said the delay “constitutes a clear violation of contractual and statutory obligations under the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the National Highways Act, 1956, and the Right to Service framework,” all of which mandate the “timely and efficient delivery of public infrastructure.” Rhi warned that “if urgent measures are not implemented,” the PTBA would escalate the matter by “filing formal complaints through the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), submitting a petition to the Managing Director of NHIDCL in New Delhi, and notifying the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for appropriate redressal and disciplinary action.”
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PTBA Media Secretary Huveta Thuluo, who is also a supplier of essential goods in Pfutsero, said, “the people of Pfutsero and the wider Chakhesang region have shown remarkable patience in the face of prolonged hardship.
However, continued neglect will no longer be tolerated.” He asserted that “the delay is not merely a management failure, it is a violation of the people’s right to safe transportation, economic opportunity, and public safety.”
The PTBA has demanded “the immediate resumption and timely completion of the Chakhabama-Kikruma road project, full restoration of the route to a motorable condition, and the institution of a robust system for continuous maintenance and oversight to ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability.”