Dimapur, August 5 (MExN): Six apex tribal organisations of Dimapur have jointly expressed strong dissatisfaction over their exclusion from consultations related to the Trans-Nagaland Highway, also known as the Foothills Road.
In a joint statement, the Chang Union Dimapur, Khiamniungan Union Dimapur, Sangtam Union Dimapur, Western Yimkhiung Hoho, Tikhir Union Dimapur, and Rengma Peoples’ Organisation Dimapur recalled their long-standing support for the project since its inception in 2013 by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee.
They said the 395-km road, stretching from Khelma in Peren to Tizit in Mon, was envisioned as a people’s project aimed at economic uplift and youth employment. However, they noted with dismay that the regions of the Chang, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, and Tikhir tribes “are not even touched by an inch,” while the Rengma tribe, despite being landowners, was excluded from recent consultations.
However, they noted that they are “sacrificing financially, physically and mentally at the best of our ability for almost 13 years with full dedication and sincerity through thick and thin” till date since inception after fully understanding the concept of Naga Survival Road.
The sacrifices, the joint statement stressed, were for the concept people’s road and not landowner’s road.
Thus, they questioned the lack of transparency and inclusivity in recent meetings invitations, wondering whether it has been interpreted as “Landowner’s Road” or an exclusive road for only section people’s road.
Notably, while all Apex Tribal Hohos and MLAs were invited to a meeting on April 30, they alleged no such invitation was extended for the upcoming meeting scheduled on August 7.
The unions also raised concerns about political inaction, asking why the project, despite having been discussed in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly earlier this year, appears to lack follow-through.
“Where are our elected representatives and tribal leaders now?” they asked.
Reaffirming their stance, the groups maintained they are not obstructing development, but seeking participation, clarity, and fairness in a project they called a “historic, people’s initiative.”
