Joint appeal to NNPGs covers Zhekiye–Satoi Road; stakeholders call for no interference and warn against poor-quality works
The Satoi Range GBs’ Association, Satoi Range Students’ Union (SRSU), Satoi Range Sumi Totimi Loka (STL) and other stakeholders of Satoi Range have jointly appealed to all Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to grant total exemption from taxation on the Zhekiye–Satoi Road construction project and other development funds and ongoing infrastructural projects within the Satoi jurisdiction.
In a joint press release, the stakeholders said Satoi Range, located in the remote eastern corner of Zunheboto district, has remained significantly behind in basic infrastructure and essential services due to difficult terrain and decades of neglect.
They said the commencement of the Zhekiye–Satoi Road project and other development initiatives had brought “renewed hope” to the people of the region, but stressed that their successful execution depended on the effective utilisation of the funds sanctioned for them.
“Every rupee allocated for development in this remote region is vital,” the stakeholders said, adding that any deduction from limited development resources directly affects the “pace, quality, and scope of development.”
The appeal, they said, was made “not to undermine or challenge any authority”, but out of concern for the people of Satoi. They urged all concerned NNPGs and stakeholders to keep development funds “completely free from taxation and other financial deductions” so that maximum resources could reach the projects and communities for whom they are intended.
The stakeholders also appealed for the Zhekiye–Satoi Road and other ongoing development works to remain free from interference and to proceed “peacefully, continuously, and without disruption.”
At the same time, they placed responsibility on the concerned contractors, executing agencies and government departments to ensure that works are carried out according to approved designs, specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.
They warned that “compromise in quality, unnecessary delay, substandard execution, or unauthorized deviation from the approved work” would not be viewed lightly.
The stakeholders said they would continue to monitor the progress and quality of the projects and remain committed to representing and safeguarding the interests of the people of Satoi Range.
They further called upon the Government of Nagaland, district administration and concerned law-enforcement authorities to take necessary measures to ensure a “safe, peaceful, and secure environment” for uninterrupted execution of the projects.
“The people of Satoi have waited for decades for meaningful connectivity and development. This opportunity must not be compromised,” the statement said, adding: “Development funds must reach development works, and development works must reach the people.”
