Chakhesang Students’ Union Stages Phase 2 Protest, Issues Ultimatum Over Kohima–Jessami Road Delay

Kikruma/Phek, May 10: The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has intensified its protest against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd., citing the deteriorating condition and prolonged delay in completing the Kohima–Jessami Road (NH-29, Package 2), a vital lifeline not only for Phek district but also for Meluri and Kiphire districts.

In a decisive move, the CSU launched Phase 2 of its agitation on May 10 at Kikruma village under the slogan “Enough is Enough!” The protest drew significant participation from student bodies, civil society leaders, and concerned citizens, all united in demanding accountability and immediate action on what they described as “a road of broken commitments.”

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The CSU’s core demands include:

– Immediate filling of potholes

– Clearance of landslide debris and blockages

– Construction of proper drainage systems

– Implementation of landslide and rockfall mitigation measures

With the monsoon season approaching, the CSU warned that worsening road conditions—exacerbated by potholes, frequent landslides, and inadequate drainage—pose severe risks to commuters and public safety.

Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as: “We Deserve Roads, Not Excuses,” “My Road, My Future,” “Build Once, Build Right,” and “Taxpayers’ Money, Taxpayers’ Right.”

Speaking at the protest, CSU President Pfhülo Sara asserted, “The welfare of the people must be the final law. We will not stand idle in the face of such administrative apathy.”

The event began with an invocation by Vetsonüyo Tunyi, Catechist of North Kikruma, and was led by CSU Vice President Povozo Soho. Solidarity messages were delivered by Veswu Vero, President of Kikruma Students’ Union, and Vesuta Kezo, President of North Kikruma Students’ Union. Public grievances were presented by Thipusüyo Tunyi, Village Council Chairman, and Zavepra Puro, VDB Secretary of North Kikruma. The protest concluded with closing remarks from CSU General Secretary Kuzoto Swuro.

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Earlier, on May 2, the CSU had issued a seven-day ultimatum to NHIDCL and the EPC contractor, demanding immediate repair and restoration of the NH-29 road stretch. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Executive Director of NHIDCL Kohima, the Union expressed its “strongest condemnation and utmost displeasure” over the agencies’ negligence and substandard work. Despite seven official representations and multiple inspections since October 2024, the Union stated that no tangible progress has been made.

Copies of the ultimatum were also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Phek, the General Managers of NHIDCL Pfustero Unit, Ratna Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., and Tamatae Construction for necessary compliance.

The CSU warned that failure to address the demands within the stipulated timeframe would lead to intensified agitation, holding the concerned agencies fully responsible.