Foothills Road Dispute: War of words over NFHRCC ‘undertaking’ continues

February 26, 2025 16 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 26

The war of words surrounding a contested “undertaking” requested by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) from contractors continued on February 25. The NFHRCC, along with representatives from 12 tribes based in Dimapur, held a closed-door meeting at the NFHRCC office in Dimapur.

The meeting took place amid a statement from the Commissioner & Secretary of the PWD (Works & Housing), terming the undertaking unnecessary, and did not sit well with the NFHRCC and the 12 tribal hohos. According to the Department, there is no need for contracted firms to sign an agreement with a third party in addition to the one already entered with the government.

On February 21, two firms—M/S Chabou & Co and JK Construction—unilaterally began work in Khumjo Yan, located in the Baghthy Division of the PWD (Roads & Bridges). This action was met with protest from the NFHRCC, which had demanded that the contractors sign an undertaking related to maintaining quality and ensuring timely completion of the work.

According to the NFHRCC, out of the 17 contracted firms, eight have yet to agree to the terms of the “Agreement,” which the NFHRCC insists all firms must accept.

Following the meeting, representatives of the 12 tribes addressed the media, condemning the statement from the Commissioner & Secretary. They emphasized that the NFHRCC is not working for personal gain. However, the NFHRCC did not hold a press conference.

During the press briefing, the representatives stressed that ensuring quality work is the central purpose of the undertaking demanded by the NFHRCC. They clarified that the issue is not about facilitating additional funding for the project, but about ensuring that the road is constructed to the required quality specifications.

Given the importance of the foothills road to Nagaland, they stated that they are working to find a middle ground and resolve the dispute.

To resolve the impasse, they said that the NFHRCC and the 12 tribe hohos are open to the contractors coming and airing their issues, and the prospect of “modifications, rectifications.” One of the representatives appealed the contractors, who are not comfortable with the terms of the undertaking, to sit down with the NFHRCC and hear each other out.

While the government has labeled the NFHRCC as a third party, the representative asserted that it is, in fact, the NFHRCC, along with the support of the tribal hohos that has convinced the government of the critical importance of building the foothills road.

The undertaking sought by the NFHRCC is only for the common good, to ensure that the quality is maintained, he said.