Dimapur, January 5 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland People Organisation (ENPO) today expressed its displeasure over the pace of construction of the foothill road.
The ENPO in a press statement issued through its Media Cell stated that the snail pace construction of foothill road connecting Khelma to Tizit which started way back in 1974 has put the Nagas at the mercy of neighbouring state due to frequent bandhs and blockades being imposed by various organisations.
The foothill road is a dream project of the Nagas which cut short travel time connecting many districts to Dimapur, the gateway for Nagaland. However, with deep regret, the foothill road project, the so-called survival/people’s project of the Nagas has been left out in the recent announcement made by MoRTH Mega Project in the State of Nagaland, it maintained.
The Organisation in its release also said it is learnt that the earth cutting has been completed from Tizit to Dimapur covering Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung, Wokha and Dimapur districts and also the Doyang Bridge is on the verge of completion. At the same time the state government has also submitted for the approval of the “Trans Express Highway (Foothill Road).
Therefore, in the larger interest of the general public, ENPO has urged the State Government to take up with the Government of India for inclusion as a “priority project.”
It stated that considering the present plight of the Nagas, the ENPO seriously feel and note the ‘want of foothill road connectivity” to bailout the Nagas from a habitual harassment by the neighbouring state and go a long way in all round development in addition to ushering relief to daily commuters from across the state.
The State Government, is therefore, urged to take up construction of at least motor able road connectivity at the earliest while also waiting for the Trans Express Highway (foothill) project being approved by the centre government.
Meanwhile, it has conveyed appreciation to the State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his commitment and keen interest in the said project which was revived in the year 2013. Also extent its gratitude to the NFHRCC for their commendable job thus far and support in their endevour.
