DIMAPUR, APRIL 28 (MExN): The aggrieved public representing 22 villages from Merapani-Longayim to Changpang ONGC headquarters via Old and New Tssori, New Amboto, and Sumito in Baghty Division have expressed opposition to the proposed alteration of the Nagaland Foothills Road alignment.
In a resolution adopted at Bhandari Town, the villagers voiced dismay over reports that the state government, along with the MLA of 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency, is considering a move that would exclude the entire Changpang Block from the original alignment finalized in 2013 between the Government of Nagaland and the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC).
“The public will resist at all levels in the right perspective if Changpang Block is left out from the definition of the Foothills Road,” the resolution stated. The villagers appealed to the government not to “betray the concept of the Historic Nagaland Foothills Road,” reaffirming their support for the Lotha Hoho’s representation submitted to the Chief Engineer on June 4, 2024. They also upheld the terms of agreement made between the Changpang Local Area Committee and the Department of Roads and Bridges in August 2024, validated by a joint re-survey conducted in September 2024.
Further expressing their grievance, the 22 villages criticised the exclusion of the NFHRCC from the now postponed consultative meeting which was scheduled for April 30 to discuss the foothills road project. They said it was “deeply unfortunate and unacceptable” that the NFHRCC, which had played a key role in steering the project for years, was not invited.
“The exclusion of NFHRCC undermines the valuable contributions and sacrifices made by them and depicts a serious question about the Government’s sincerity and transparency in handling the Foothills Road issue,” the resolution read. The public asserted that any decision made without the involvement of the NFHRCC would be considered invalid and warned of serious ramifications.
While appreciating the government's commitment to move the project forward, the villagers reaffirmed their solidarity with the NFHRCC and called for accountability and justice in ensuring dignified road infrastructure within the state.
In a unanimous decision, the resolution further warned: "No Foothills Road, no extraction of oil and exploration of crude oil in Bhandari and Changpang circles."
The resolution was signed by sessional chairman Nzanbemo Yanthan and sessional secretary Enoch Kithan on behalf of the aggrieved villages of Bhandari and Changpang Blocks.
Govt postpones consultative meeting
The Nagaland government has postponed the consultative meeting scheduled for April 30 at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) announced Monday. In a statement, the Home Department said the meeting, originally set for 10 a.m., has been deferred until further notice. No reason was provided for the postponement.
