DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) issued a response to the recent remarks made by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), Works & Housing, regarding the Foothills Road Project. The committee refuted claims that the project is “fully funded” and dismissed the assertion that “no third-party agreements are needed.”
In its press release, the NFHRCC argued that the Foothills Road cannot be categorized as an ordinary project and therefore should not be subjected to standard benchmarks. “The statements made by the Commissioner & Secretary (Works & Housing) are with regard to normal projects, therefore the same cannot be equated with the Extra-ordinary Foothills Project,” the committee said. “Time and again the committee through print and social media explained that, the Foothills Road is an extraordinary Project. Therefore, normal yardsticks cannot be applied in an extra-ordinary project.”
The NFHRCC went further, stating that applying typical project standards to the Foothills Road would result in “total chaos” for both the department and the state. “It is like giving non-veg to vegetarians and if the same keeps on persisting the dish will turn into insult and intimidation,” the statement read.
The committee called on the Commissioner and Secretary to recognize the unique nature of the initiative. “The Commissioner and Secretary ought to know that Foothills road is an extra-ordinary Project so kindly do not view this project with ordinary lens. Through which you will not see anything,” it stated. “But if it is viewed with an extraordinary lens you will see entire project and instantly stop blaming the Committee but rather you will appreciate the sacrifices made by the Committee.”
Explaining why the project holds a special status, the NFHRCC highlighted several factors: “Landowners are parting their land without even a penny of compensation, Naga Political Groups are not levying any kind of Tax, Chang, Sangtam, Yimkhiung and Khiamniungan are participating in the project without even an inch of land, Project erected on the pillar of Prayer and Fasting, Project was conceptualised and initiated by the Naga public Leaders under the blessings of Apex Tribal Hohos.”
The committee also pointed out the neglect it has faced despite past assurances. “On 22-09-2022, Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution to the effect that Foothills Road will be constructed through NEC. However, after formation of new Government there was not even a whisper about the Foothills Project despite of requests and prayers.”
Left with limited options, the committee approached the Governor of Nagaland, who in turn communicated with the Union Minister. “The Union Minister assured that he will look into the Project at any cost and as a result of which the Foothills Project was roped in under SASCI (Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment),” the NFHRCC stated.
Under SASCI, 17 work orders totaling Rs 148.5 crore were issued to 14 firms. These firms included: M/S Medodi Construction & Co., M/S N. Chisho Swu & Sons, M/S T. Albert Angami & Co., M/S P. Mha-Tum & Co., M/S Quinker Enterprises, and M/S Yanna Enterprises, among others.
The NFHRCC insisted that all firms enter into an agreement with the committee to “maintain workmanship and transparency.” According to the committee, while nine firms complied, seven others refused, including M/S Yanna Enterprises, M/S A. Pongshi Phom & Sons, and M/S JK Construction.
The committee said it had extended the deadline for agreements to December 21, 2024, and even personally requested the firms to comply. “They chose to ignore the same,” the NFHRCC stated.
Allegations of political interference
Matters escalated when M/S JK Construction and M/S Chabou & Co allegedly commenced construction without signing an agreement. “M/S JK Construction and M/S Chabou & Co had forcibly launched the construction at Baghty Division under the stewardship of MLA Achumbemo Kikon without even consultation with the concerned department,” the statement alleged.
The NFHRCC accused the contractors and the MLA of “snatching the law in their own hands” and undermining the authority of the 12 Apex Tribal Hohos. “In Democracy, the voice of the people is paramount and supreme. Therefore, whosoever it may, whatsoever position he/she may hold cannot claim any supremacy over the State,” it added.
Despite attempts by the PWD Minister to mediate the issue by convening a meeting with the contractors and committee members, the NFHRCC claimed that no meaningful resolution has been reached. “Despite requests advanced by the Committee, till date the department is not conveying the said meeting,” the statement read.
The NFHRCC reaffirmed that the committee, representing the Naga public, is the rightful overseer of the Foothills Project. “The committee/owner cannot be labelled as Third Party,” it declared.
