SAYO restricts movement of heavy vehicles on NH-2 Southern Angami Region stretch

October 21, 2024 2 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima | October 21

The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), on October 20, started restricting the movement of vehicles with more than three axles from plying on the National Highway (NH)-2 within its jurisdiction.

The restrictions began this evening, near the old check post point in Phesama as well as at the Khuzama check gate.

It came into effect with the expiry of the 15-day ultimatum which the SAYO served to the State Government on October 4 for the immediate restoration and upgradation of NH-2 along the Kohima-Mao Road.

Addressing a section of the media at Phesama, Old Check Post Point, SAYO President Metekhrielie Mejura informed that the SAYO had come up with a decision to immediately restrict both entry and exit of heavy vehicles bearing more than three axle tyres, citing dissatisfaction despite multiple grievances submitted to the government and relevant authorities.

SAYO President Metekhrielie Mejura addresses a section of the media at Phesama, Old Check Post Point, following the imposition of restrictions on the movement of vehicles with more than three axles on October 20. (Morung Photo)

While the SAYO has demanded the construction of a two-lane road and the immediate restoration and upgradation of NH-2 from Kohima to Mao Gate, which stretches about 26.7 km, so far no action has been taken, he maintained.

“We have been appealing to the government and the ministry through our state government four times in the past,” Mejura said, expressing that the road was initially proposed for four lanes but was descoped to two lanes for technical reasons.

“But later, to our surprise, it is not even two lanes but further descoped to strengthening and maintaining the existing road. Now, the condition of the road is not capable of holding heavy vehicles,” Mejura pointed out.

He also recounted dust-related grievances, including accidents, adding that heavy vehicles cause more damage when plied on a daily basis. The restriction, he argued, was to prevent further damage and for the welfare of the people.

So far, during the ultimatum period, the SAYO President said they were not directly approached by the government, but some actions were observed. However, he noted that it was not up to the satisfaction of the public.

“Our demand is to upgrade the road with proper drainage immediately,” he said, adding that the SAYO’s grievances and rights should be taken forward by the state government.

Meanwhile, the SAYO informed that vehicles with more than three axles carrying goods to Kisama ahead of the 25th Hornbill Festival are being permitted to pass.

It must be noted here that in a representation to Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on October 4, the SAYO had expressed concerns over the long-standing neglect of the highway, which is crucial for transportation between Nagaland and Manipur. It highlighted that NH-2, originally built during the pre-independence era, has not been upgraded to meet modern transportation standards, describing the road’s condition as alarming, with deteriorated surfaces, ageing bridges, and culverts near collapse.