Photo: Construction of double-lane modular steel bridge over Jungtchu River along the Foothill Road in Baghty.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 13 (MExN): The presidents of the 15 Nagaland Tribal Hohos have expressed support for upgrading the Nagaland Foothill Road into a two-lane National Highway, while urging the state government to expedite proposals to the Centre and calling on a key coordination body to give the process time to move forward.
The statement was issued by Dr Vihuto Asumi, President of the Sümi Hoho, on behalf of the 15 tribal hohos.
The hohos said the consultative meeting held on April 7 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, convened by the Government of Nagaland through the National Highways and PWD (Roads and Bridges) departments, was significant. They "welcomed the collective understanding arrived at during the consultative meeting" and reaffirmed support for the highway upgrade.
Addressing the state government directly, the hohos "strongly urged" it to "expedite the necessary proposals and pursue the matter with the Government of India at the earliest" so as to translate the consensus into concrete action.
On land acquisition, the hohos went further, assuring "fullest cooperation" to the Government of Nagaland in facilitating the process. This includes, they said, "extending support in engaging with landowners to ensure an amicable and mutually acceptable outcome for land provision required for the two-lane National Highway construction."
The statement also addressed the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), appealing to it to "extend patience and allow the Government reasonable time to take forward the process." The hohos simultaneously urged both the government and the NFHRCC to “engage in constructive dialogue and sit across the table to arrive at an amicable understanding in the larger interest of the people.”
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