NFHRCC rejects chief engineer’s letter, demands tripartite agreement

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Foot Hills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has rejected the October 16 letter from the chief engineer (Roads and Bridges) in which the latter had reportedly conveyed the department’s inability to involve the NFHRCC for allotment of works as well as to enter enter into a tripartite agreement for the execution of the foothills road project.

In a press release, the committee informed that the chief engineer’s letter compelled it to call for a meeting with 12 Dimapur-based organisations: Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Chang Union, Phom Union, Western Yimkhuing Hoho, Western Sumi Hoho, Khiamniungan Union, Western Sangtam People’s Organisation, Lotha Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organisation, Kuku Inpi, Rengma People’s Organisation, and Konyak Union.

It informed that the organisations further resolved to re-affirm the NFHRCC’s 7-points memorandum issued on May 8.

“On May 8th 2024, the committee had submitted a 7-point memorandum to the concerned dept., inter- alia with a view to maintain the workmanship of the project, a tripartite agreement had to be entered between the dept., committee and contractors,” it stated.    

The committee and the tribal organisations resolved to urge upon the authority concerned to immediately suspend the tendering process with regard to the foothills road project till the matter is amicably settled.

“The house further resolved to urgently convene a meeting by the committee including the commissioner & secretary of NPWD, engineer-in-chief (NPWD) and CE(R&B) to explain as to why and as to how the letter dated October 16, 2024 has been issued to the committee after 11 years of its existence,” it stated.