Tuensang, October 26 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has extended its unequivocal endorsement and full support to the legitimate demands raised by the Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU), Headquarters, Noklak, concerning the abandonment of critical road infrastructure projects in Noklak District, the federation said in a statement issued by its Media Cell.
Expressing grave concern over revelations made on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding the discontinuation of these vital projects, the ENSF said funds were reportedly returned without completion of the intended works, citing land compensation demands by landowners.
The projects in question, particularly the Chendang Saddle–Noklak–Pangsha Road Project (Phase-II) and the Noklak–Thonoknyu Road via Sanglao, are essential lifelines for the people of Noklak District and the wider Eastern Nagaland region, the statement said, adding that their abandonment has serious implications for public connectivity, economic activities, access to essential services and the overall developmental aspirations of the people.
Stating that such failures raise grave questions about administrative accountability, financial prudence and the State Government’s commitment to equitable development, the ENSF recalled that it had already communicated to the Department of Public Works (Roads & Bridges) during a meeting, urging it to furnish fair, proper and transparent information in response to the queries and demands raised by the KSU. The Department’s failure to comply with this appeal and provide satisfactory clarification has deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Noklak District and the ENSF, it said, terming the lack of response “not only unacceptable but also deeply disrespectful to the legitimate concerns of the affected communities.”
Noting that the matter has now been raised on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the highest legislative forum of the State, the ENSF said an issue of such public importance cannot be allowed to remain unresolved, nor can the concerns raised in the Assembly be treated as a mere formality and left to fade without concrete action.
The Federation demanded that the Department of Public Works (Roads & Bridges) and the State Government provide a clear, comprehensive and factually verifiable account of the circumstances that led to the discontinuation of these projects, the status and utilisation of the funds sanctioned, the reasons for their return, and the concrete measures proposed to ensure completion of the intended road connectivity.
Reiterating that development in Eastern Nagaland cannot continue to be undermined by administrative indifference, inadequate communication or decisions that leave critical public infrastructure unfinished, the ENSF said it is closely monitoring the matter and placed the concerned Department and the State Government on clear notice that continued failure to provide a satisfactory and transparent response will leave the Federation with no option but to initiate appropriate democratic and constitutional forms of action.
The Federation called upon the Department concerned and the State Government to assume responsibility, ensure a transparent examination of the matter and take immediate steps towards the resumption and completion of the affected road projects, subject to necessary technical and administrative processes. It asserted that the concerns raised by the KSU and the people of Noklak District must receive a substantive response, not further delay or silence.
Maintaining that the patience of the peace-loving people of Eastern Nagaland must never be mistaken for indifference or weakness, the ENSF said public funds must serve their intended purpose, public infrastructure projects must be implemented with accountability, and questions raised on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly must culminate in tangible action. The Federation affirmed that it stands firmly with the KSU and the people of Noklak District in demanding transparency, accountability and justice in the larger interest of equitable development across Eastern Nagaland.
