An expansive view of the unpaved, pothole-riddled stretch of the NH-29 (Kohima–Jessami Road) Package-II project, highlighting the ongoing deterioration and challenging travel conditions.
Kohima, October 5 (MExN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has announced a peaceful democratic agitation on October 7 demanding the termination of EPC contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. from the NH-29 two-lane Kohima-Jessami road project and accountability from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) over the delay in execution of the project.
The agitation will be held at 12 noon at Glory Peak Junction, Menyitsuda Colony, Pfutsero, the union said in an appeal issued on Monday.
The CSU said the road is a lifeline for the Chakhesang community and people of neighbouring districts and is used daily by students, patients, families, workers and traders.
“Lives have been lost, students continue to suffer, accidents have become a recurring reality, patients endure immense hardship while travelling for medical care, and businesses along the route are bearing heavy losses,” the union said.
It said years of delay and the continuing condition of the road had caused immense hardship and risk to people using the highway.
The union said despite repeated assurances and opportunities, the situation remained concerning and asserted that “continued assurances are no longer enough”.
“We demand accountability and termination, not another extension of suffering,” the CSU said, appealing to citizens to participate in the agitation.
In a directive issued on October 5, the CSU said the decision to initiate the democratic agitation was taken following an Emergency Presidential Meeting held on October 1 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, North Kikruma.
The meeting discussed the alleged failure of EPC contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. and NHIDCL to complete the NH-29 Two-Lane (Kohima-Jessami Road) Package-II Project, it said.
The union directed all its affiliated and subordinate units to depute at least 10 volunteers each for the agitation.
Nearby villages have been requested to depute at least 20 volunteers each, while all units have been directed to submit the names of their volunteers to the CSU office for record.
The union said light refreshments would be provided to participants.
The CSU urged concerned citizens to extend solidarity and support to the peaceful democratic agitation, scheduled for October 7 at Glory Peak Junction, Menyitsuda Colony, Pfutsero.
