Chakhesang Students' Union Demands Immediate Action from NHIDCL on Kohima-Jessami Road
Phek (Nagaland), May 10 – A student-led protest erupted in Phek district on Saturday as members of the Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) rallied against the prolonged delay in the development of the Kohima-Jessami National Highway, particularly Package 2, which spans a 29-kilometre stretch through the Kikruma area.Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protestors directed their anger at the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the agency tasked with executing the critical road project. The highway is a vital artery for residents of Kikruma, Phek, Meluri, and Kiphire districts, many of whom continue to face challenges due to poor road conditions, landslides, and dangerous blockages.
Prolonged Inaction Despite Early Start
CSU president Pfhulo Sara expressed widespread frustration among locals, pointing out that construction began on January 5, 2024, but has since seen negligible progress. “Despite submitting multiple representations and issuing a seven-day ultimatum on May 2, there has been no tangible improvement,” Sara said.He warned that with the onset of the monsoon season, the worsening condition of the road would only exacerbate the risks to commuters, calling the situation a glaring example of "gross administrative apathy."
Prior Protests and Escalating Tensions
This is not the first time CSU has taken a stand. In October 2024, the union locked the NHIDCL office in Pfutsero during the first phase of their protest. Citing an April 2024 report, Sara noted that physical progress on the road project stood at a mere 10.69 percent, casting serious doubt on the contractor’s capacity to meet the January 2026 completion deadline.Urgent Demands Ahead of Monsoon
Calling for the immediate deployment of sufficient machinery and manpower, the CSU issued a stern warning that intensified protests would follow if no prompt and decisive action is taken. The union is demanding urgent road repairs, the construction of proper drainage systems, and swift mitigation of landslide-prone zones to prevent further disruption and danger to public safety.As public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on NHIDCL and the government authorities responsible for overseeing infrastructure development in the region.