Lotha Hoho reaffirms original alignment of Foothills Road

No realignment or deviation, resolves Wokha consultative meeting 

Morung Express Newsws
Wokha | May 15

The Lotha Hoho has reaffirmed its position of advocating for the original alignment of the Foothills road and its unwavering commitment to the welfare and interests of the Lotha community.

Lotha Hoho Chairman Er Mhondamo Ovung reiterated the position while addressing a consultative meeting held in Wokha to deliberate on the ongoing Nagaland Foothills Road (NFHR), specifically focusing on the contentious issue of road alignment passing through the Wokha district.

The organisation’s position was earlier articulated in a letter submitted to the Chief Engineer of Roads & Bridges (NPWD) on June 4, 2024.
The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, also highlighted growing resistance to the proposed realignment of the road and emphasised the collective demand to adhere to the original alignment.

To this end, while acknowledging the concerns of 22 aggrieved villagers from Changpang and Bhandari circles, the Lotha Hoho firmly reiterated its opposition to the newly proposed alignment under the ongoing NFHR project. 

It also expressed full support for the Lotha Lower Range Organisation’s press statement published in local dailies on May 13 calling for adherence to the original alignment within Lotha jurisdiction.

The 22 affected villagers, who were present at the meeting, also expressed dissatisfaction with the new proposed alignment and reaffirmed their support for the original plan, arguing that it serves the greater interest of the local population and had been previously agreed upon by all stakeholders.

During the meeting, members of the Lotha Hoho stressed the long-standing significance of the Foothill Road project in promoting connectivity and development for the Lotha people.

Representatives of the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), led by Convener Supu Jamir, supplemented the discussions by recalling the years of effort that went into conceptualizing and initiating the NFHR project.

The meeting concluded with a strong resolution declaring that no alternate realignment or deviation from the agreed-upon alignment would be allowed.

The house further cautioned that any move to ignore their position could result in democratic agitation or, if necessary, a complete halt of Foothills road construction across the Wokha district, particularly in the Bhandari and Changpang circles.

The meeting was attended by members of the NFHRCC, 22 aggrieved villagers, seasonal chairmen, and representatives from the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, and Maraju (Merapani) Village Councils.
 



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