Meluri/Pfutsero/Phek, MAY 14 (MExN): The Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI), Pfutsero Town Chakhesang Students’ Union (PTCSU), and the Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) have flayed the continued deterioration of National Highway-29, particularly the stretch under Package-II between Chakhabama and Kekrüma.
In separate releases, the organisations questioned the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd and the EPC contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., over the issue.
In a press release, the PDCCI expressed serious concern over the persistent lack of progress and raised pressing concerns regarding the credibility and accountability of the contractor, and questioned whether NHIDCL has taken adequate steps to monitor and enforce the contractual obligations.
These obligations must align with provisions under the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and the National Highways Act, 1956, as well as ensure adherence to public service standards under the Right to Service frameworks, it added.
The Chamber also highlighted that access to reliable infrastructure is an essential part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and the citizens of Phek are constitutionally entitled to safe, accessible, and functional roadways.
In light of these concerns, PDCCI urged the Executive Director of NHIDCL, Kohima, to treat this matter with the highest level of urgency and called for the immediate restoration and maintenance of the existing road.
PDCCI also called upon the State Government, District Administration, and all relevant stakeholders to take coordinated action to ensure the timely and accountable completion of the project.
In a press release, the PTCSU also pointed out in a statement that CSU had earlier served a seven-day ultimatum on May 2 to the NHIDCL and the contractor, demanding visible progress, and followed it up with a peaceful protest on May 10.
However, both agencies failed to respond with any concrete action, it said.
Despite a six-month window—granted from October 16, 2024, to May 11, 2025—through mutual understanding facilitated by the CSU, the NHIDCL and contractor have allegedly failed to honour their responsibilities, it added.
The PTCSU described the inaction as a betrayal of public trust and an insult to the people dependent on the road for daily transportation, commerce, healthcare, and education.
Echoing similar sentiments, the PSU said NH-29 is not just a road but a “lifeline” for the Chakhesang, Pochury, and other Naga communities. It strongly condemned the lack of urgency and called the situation a “systemic lapse in accountability.”
The PSU affirmed its unequivocal support for the CSU and warned that if immediate and irreversible corrective measures are not taken within the stipulated timeline, it would not hesitate to join forces with the CSU and other bodies to initiate intensified democratic actions. “We are ready to escalate this issue through all possible platforms until justice is served,” it stated.
Both unions reaffirmed their solidarity and called on the concerned authorities to act without further delay. “The road must be fixed—no compromise, no delay,” the PSU said.
