Foothills Road: Sümi Hoho seeks clarification from NFHRCC over work allotment allegations; Demands apology for remarks against Aye

The Sümi Hoho has called on the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) to clarify allegations that it sought work allotment in the construction of the Nagaland Foothills Road.

In a statement, the Sümi Hoho said it was “constrained to seek clarification” from the NFHRCC following reports in print and social media after the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly proceedings, which suggested that the Committee had sought contractual work. “Public discourse… has brought to light that the NFHRCC sought contractual work and that certain works were allegedly assigned to the Committee through registered contractors since it did not meet the requisite criteria for direct allotment,” it stated.

Expressing concern, the Sümi Hoho emphasized that the NFHRCC was not formed to undertake construction work but to ensure the timely completion of the project with transparency and quality. Acknowledging the NFHRCC’s role in advocating for the Foothill Road project, the Sümi Hoho reiterated its support but insisted that “any deviation from its original mandate necessitates clarification to uphold public confidence.”

Furthermore, the Sümi Hoho strongly objected to personal attacks made by the NFHRCC against PWD (R&B) Minister G. Kaito Aye in statements published on February 28, 2025. It stated that as a seven-term legislator and one of the most senior leaders, Minister Aye’s contributions should be treated with due respect. “The language used by the NFHRCC has not only disrespected the Minister but has also hurt the sentiments of his community—an issue the Sümi Hoho cannot ignore,” the statement read.

The organization disclosed that it had formally communicated with the NFHRCC Convenor, urging the Committee to issue an apology or take corrective measures, but the NFHRCC had remained silent. While reaffirming its support for the Committee’s broader objectives, the Sümi Hoho maintained that personal attacks questioning the Minister’s experience and competence were unacceptable.

“The Sümi Hoho expects a responsible and timely response from the Committee,” it concluded.

NFHRCC refutes Minister Aye’s claim, seeks retraction

The Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has strongly refuted the claim made by PWD (R&B) Minister G. Kaito Aye in the recently concluded Nagaland Legislative Assembly session regarding contract work allotments for the Foothill Road project.

In a rejoinder, the NFHRCC stated that it was “constrained to give this rejoinder” in response to Minister Aye’s assertion that “the NFHRCC had requested for contract work allotments, they did not meet the necessary criteria, consequently works were assigned through registered contractors instead.” The Committee denounced this claim as “distorted and blatant lies by a highly acclaimed seasoned politician in the floor of the house,” calling it “seemingly inappropriate and disproportionally misleading.”

The NFHRCC clarified that it had not sought contract work for itself. Instead, it stated that the Nagaland Public Works Department (NPWD), R&B had requested the Committee to recommend four contract works to reputed and qualified contractor firms. “In reciprocal, [NFHRCC] constituted a sub-committee to identify and forward the same to the department,” the statement read. It added that the Committee had sent an endorsement letter on October 28, 2024, following this request.

Furthermore, the NFHRCC emphasized that before the selection of contractors, it had submitted a seven-point memorandum to the department on May 8, 2024, detailing recommendations for work allocation. This memorandum was published in newspapers on May 9, 2024. It called for extraordinary precautions in selecting qualified registered contractors, promoting young local Naga contractors, limiting work allocations to 10 to 15 km per contractor, preventing multiple work allotments to a single contractor, ensuring fair distribution of funds, and signing a tripartite agreement between the department, the contractors, and the NFHRCC to ensure smooth and timely execution of the project.

In light of these details, the NFHRCC has urged Minister Aye to retract his statement made in the Assembly, stating, “In the larger interest of the public in general, the Hon’ble Minister PWD, Road & Bridges, Govt. of Nagaland is strongly urged upon to retract his Assembly speech either through print or visual media.”

MT