Phase 2 agitation enters 3rd day
The Phase 2 agitation spearheaded by the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) entered its third day on Wednesday with the seizure of a total of 17 vehicles, 16 belonging to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and one government-registered vehicle, in protest against the continued delay in the execution of the NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road Project (Package 2).
In a letter to the Managing Director of NHIDCL, the CSU has demanded the immediate termination and blacklisting of M/s Ratna Infra Project Pvt. Ltd., the contractor appointed to execute the Package 2 portion between Chakhabama and Kikruma.
The students’ body, citing “multiple representations and the ultimatum served on 02/05/2025,” said that despite the passage of the dry working season, “there has been no tangible progress on the ground.” The group alleged that “persistent negligence, lack of urgency, and absence of transparency” on the part of the contractor—compounded by NHIDCL’s “continued inaction”—have not only disrupted public movement but “endangered public safety” and “stalled socio-economic development in the region.”
“This prolonged failure has completely eroded public trust in both NHIDCL and its appointed contractor,” the CSU said in its press release.
The statement, marked by its tone of finality, declared that the Union has “exhausted its patience” and laid out a list of non-negotiable demands:
· Immediate termination of M/s Ratna Infra Project Pvt. Ltd. for “gross breach of contractual obligations.”
· Blacklisting of the firm from “all future projects within the Chakhesang region.”
· Re-tendering of the project through a “transparent and competitive process.”
· Provision of interim maintenance work to minimize public inconvenience during the transition.
The CSU has warned that “failure to act promptly will be deemed willful negligence on the part of NHIDCL,” and cautioned that “democratic agitation” will be intensified if corrective steps are not taken.
“We urge your immediate and decisive intervention in this matter of critical public interest,” the statement added.
Kenye criticizes NHIDCL, backs ongoing public agitation
Nagaland’s Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, on Tuesday criticised the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for what he called “undue delays” in the execution of the NH-29 road project.
“The government stands with the people,” Kenye stated, lending support to the ongoing agitation led by the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU). The CSU has imposed an indefinite ban on all vehicular movement involving NHIDCL, contractor Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., and government vehicles over what it says are unmet demands concerning the Chakhabama–Kikruma stretch (Package 2) of the NH-29 project.
Kenye said the government has already taken up the matter and expressed hope that “an amicable resolution” would be reached soon. His remarks come as pressure mounts on both the corporation and the contractor to address the grievances raised by the public.
PDCCI raises alarm over prolonged delay
Echoing the CSU’s concerns, the Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI) has also expressed serious concern over the lack of progress in the Chakhabama-Kikruma road section of NH-29.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDCCI said that more than one year and three months have passed since the project was awarded to M/s Ratna Infra Project Pvt. Ltd., but there has been no “substantial advancement.”
The delay, the Chamber said, is severely affecting trade, commerce, and daily transportation in the district, particularly for the Chakhesang community that relies heavily on this critical route.
Raising questions on the credibility of the contractor and NHIDCL’s oversight, PDCCI urged that contractual obligations be enforced as per the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and the National Highways Act, 1956. The Chamber also pointed out that access to reliable infrastructure is a part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
“The citizens of Phek are constitutionally entitled to safe, accessible, and functional roadways,” PDCCI stated, calling upon the NHIDCL Executive Director, the State Government, District Administration, and all relevant stakeholders to act with “the highest level of urgency.”
The PDCCI maintained that immediate maintenance work must begin without further delay and reiterated that the road is of strategic importance to Phek District and the Chakhesang people.
“Its continued neglect is unacceptable,” the Chamber concluded, pledging to continue advocating for the region’s infrastructural rights.
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