Several tribal apex bodies and unions have issued a strong statement expressing their deep disappointment over the exclusion of key tribal groups and the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) from a scheduled meeting on the Foothills Road Project, convened by the State Government on August 7, 2025.
In a joint solidarity message titled “We Equally Share Your Pain & Agony,” the signatories — including the presidents and leaders of Ao Senden, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Northern Sumi Community Dimapur, Konyak Union Dimapur, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, Lotha Hoho Wokha, Phom People’s Union Dimapur, and Zeliang Peoples’ Organisation Dimapur — condemned what they termed as a divisive and exclusionary approach by the State Government.
They said it was “deeply hurtful and disturbing” that representatives from the Chang, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Tikhir, and Rengma tribes — all of whom have played an integral role in the Foothills Road Project over the past 13 years — were left out of the proposed meeting with the Chief Minister at his residential complex.
“It is very painful to state that our friends who are selflessly contributing towards the progress and development of our State are being excluded… Foothills Road Project belongs to the entire Naga family, irrespective of landowners or otherwise,” the joint statement read.
The Foothills Road, conceptualised by the NFHRCC in 2013, is described as a “historic project” envisioned to transform the economic landscape of Nagaland by connecting its foothill regions. The signatories said that since its inception, tribal leaders have made sacrifices “financially, physically, and mentally” to push the project forward, despite repeated delays and lack of government recognition.
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They criticised what they called a “pick and choose policy” that could “damage our Naga family and eventually the historic project will face an ugly consequence.” The statement stressed that no tribe or group can claim superiority over the project, noting that infrastructure in one region today may lead to development in another tomorrow.
Also raising concern over the limited number of legislators invited to the August 7 meeting, the statement pointed out that although Nagaland has 60 MLAs and an opposition-less government, only 15 MLAs were invited.
“In our Nagaland State we have 60 Hon’ble MLAs and everyone is equally responsible for the development and progress of our State… But as per the Meeting Circular dated 1st August 2025, only 15 MLAs are invited. Then what about remaining 45 Hon’ble MLAs who represent the Naga public? They do have equal right to share their opinion with regard to Nagaland Foothills Road Project,” the statement read.
The exclusion of the NFHRCC, the body that originally envisioned and initiated the Foothills Road Project, was described as “very unfortunate and unbecoming.” The signatories recalled that during the consultative meeting held on April 30, 2025, all apex tribal hohos and MLAs were invited — except the Foothills Road Committee.
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“However, some public-spirited organisations expressed their displeasure for not including the NFHRCC in the said meeting and as a result the proposed consultative meeting was postponed.”
“Now, once again,” they added, “the meeting has been convened on 7th August 2025 for the same agenda but the invitees has been dramatically reduced. Along with the Committee, six Apex Tribal Hohos and 45 Hon’ble MLAs are not invited — which is utter surprising.”
In closing, the statement conveyed ”heartfelt gratitude and appreciation” to leaders from the six excluded tribes ”for your selfless contribution towards the Foothills Road Project for the last 13 years by sacrificing financially, physically and mentally.”
“At the same time, we also equally share your pain and agony at this time of despair. No matter whatever situation you may face, we are always one and we will work together till our Historic Project is successfully accomplished.”
