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Dimapur, Dec. 8 (EMN): The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (Dayo) has expressed dissatisfaction that the state government has introduced 14 national highway projects worth INR 4127 crore confined only to a certain geographical area, while ignoring one of the oldest and most important connectivity roads in the state.
An update from Dayo stated that the 'Foothill road' that runs through various districts of the state without touching Assam has assumed greater importance especially during the recent times. It stated that 'at least 11 Naga tribes were constantly being held at ransom by the people of neighbouring Assam with imposition of economic blockade at the drop of a hat just because they are compelled to pass through Assam. '
“This foothill road has been surveyed and construction began as early as 1974 but unfortunately it is yet to see the light of the day even after 46 years,” Dayo pointed out. While appreciating the leaders of yesteryears who had a vision to build such a magnanimous project, it also lamented that despite 57 years of statehood,' many districts are living at the mercy of others because of the inability to complete foothill road connectivity.'
While appreciating the Foothill Road Coordination Committee for the commendable job, Dayo also acknowledged the previous NPF led DAN-II government under the leadership of the present chief minister Neiphiu Rio for allocating INR 70 crore for the same. It also pointed out that the project has stagnated without any further fund allocation while the affected districts continue to be at the mercy of other states.
Dayo also expressed astonishment to note that 48 MLAs, representing those areas that are traversed by the foothill road connectivity, chose to remain silent when the recent mega projects did not include the foothill road connectivity.
In the light of the above stated circumstances, Dayo appealed to the present government to give top priority towards the completion of the foothill road at the earliest saying that only a short stretch of the road is lying incomplete. It has also welcomed resumption of the bridge construction over the Doyang River and expected timely completion.
Dayo stated that the foothill road would benefit Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Wokha districts 'who are being constantly harassed while crossing Assam. '
“The silence of the citizens of those affected by Assam bandhs should not be taken as a sign of weakness but as patience and anticipation towards the state government with the greatest hope that the unfinished works are completed at the earliest,” Dayo added.
It also mentioned the philanthropic contribution made by ABAM (Ao Baptist Churches Association) in donating INR 36,56,282 in 2019 towards the early completion of the road. It stated that the state government cannot choose to remain silent when even the churches have come up with such donations along with prayer and fasting as early as August 14, 2013, for an early completion of the foothill road.
“While waiting for another mega project for a super highway, the government of Nagaland should have the political will and sanction from its contingency fund to enable motorable roads before the onset of monsoons, especially with the recent Tsutapela gate economic blockade and plight of the general population,” Dayo added.
While appreciating the central and state governments for accelerating road connectivity in the state, the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) has also urged the state government to prioritise the construction of foothill road by making it a trans-Nagaland road for fuelling the economy, security and safety of its citizens.
An update from CNSA stated that the association in its 3rd general conference held at Wokha in November 2018 had a threadbare discussion on the viability of foothill road and resolved to extend support and cooperation to Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) for implementation and early completion of the road.
The association stated that the foothill road is vital for economic and social growth of Nagaland as it shortens the length and connects the larger part of the state particularly Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto as well as the eastern Naga area.
Stating that foothill road could serve as the main artery of the state in its growth, CNSA further affirmed to give unflinching support to NFHRCC in their endeavour to accomplish the project.