Amid the escalating dispute over the Nagaland Foothills Road project, the Sümi Hoho has called for meaningful dialogue among all parties to ensure the success of the project. The apex Sümi body emphasized the need for an amicable resolution, urging stakeholders to set aside differences and work together in the interest of public welfare.
The intervention follows allegations by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) against Public Works Department (R&B) Minister G Kaito Aye, accusing him of mishandling the project and failing to grasp its importance despite repeated clarifications. The committee also condemned what it described as unauthorized construction work in violation of an agreement with 12 Apex Tribal Hohos. Minister Kaito rejected the accusations as baseless and refused to apologize, stating the decision to start work was the contractor’s prerogative.
The situation escalated further as the Western Satoi Range Public Union (WSRPU) and Vanguard 40 Bhandari A/C condemned NFHRCC’s statements as defamatory, demanding a retraction and public apology.
Raising concern over the ongoing disputes, the Sümi Hoho stated, “Public disagreements and personal attacks do not serve the cause of development but rather deepen divisions and hurt communal harmony.”
In a press statement, the Sümi Hoho expressed “heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Nagaland for initiating the Nagaland Foothill Road project, a crucial infrastructure undertaking that has remained incomplete for nearly one and a half decades.” The Hoho also acknowledged the “leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, and the Honourable Minister for Roads and Bridges, Kaito Aye, for their commitment to advancing this long-awaited project.”
Commending the NFHRCC, which represents 12 tribal bodies, the Sümi Hoho said it “has played a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of the people by advocating for high standards in construction and accountability in execution.”
Highlighting the significance of the project, the Sümi Hoho stressed that “as the Nagaland Foothill Road is fundamentally a people’s road, it is imperative that all stakeholders—authorities and contractors alike—respect and prioritize the collective voice of the people.” The Hoho also supported NFHRCC’s “demand for formal agreements,” saying it “reflects the community’s rightful expectation of transparency and adherence to quality standards.”
Expressing disappointment over the recent controversies, the Sümi Hoho urged unity, stating, “The people of Nagaland deserve quality infrastructure. We call upon all involved stakeholders to set aside differences, act rationally, and work in unity to ensure that the construction resumes without further delay.”
Quoting former US President John F Kennedy, the Sümi Hoho concluded, “American roads are not good because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good.”
The statement was signed by Dr Vihuto Asumi, President of Sümi Hoho.