Nagaland: SAYO serves ultimatum to NHIDCL over delay in completion of National Highway

DIMAPUR — The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has served an ultimatum to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) over the prolonged delay in completing the National Highway 2 (NH-2) stretch in the Southern Angami region.

The dire state of this stretch of the national highway, specifically the Phesama-Khuzama village section, has been incessantly causing inconvenience to the public and commuters, said SAYO, asking the NHIDCL to complete the road construction by November 25.

In a letter addressed to the NHIDCL General Manager, SAYO pointed out that the said stretch of NH-2 serves as the main road connectivity for the people of Southern Angami villages and also directly provides connectivity to important tourist destinations located in the region. Notably, the 10-day annual Hornbill Festival, 2023 will begin in December this year and will attract local, domestic and international tourists and visitors, it said.

According to SAYO, the road condition, because of prolonged delay in completion, has caused widespread inconvenience and become a source of embarrassment for the region. Even local residents have tirelessly advocated for road improvements, to no avail, it lamented.

“Therefore, it has left us without an option, considering the urgency of the case and therefore, we are compelled to issue this ultimatum to undertake the construction of road projects of the said stretch on war-footing and ensure completion by November 25, 2023, without any obstruction, whatsoever,” read the letter.

SAYO also pointed out that it had earlier issued an ultimatum on February 17, 2022, for prompt remedial action and to expedite repair work of the NH-2 between Naga Heritage Village and Kisama-Khuzama Police Check Post.

While placing faith in the NHIDCL, which has been entrusted with the task of improving and maintaining road connectivity to enable efficient and safe transport, the SAYO called upon the authorities to respond to the pressing issue promptly.

“Failing to comply with the same, the agency responsible for maintaining the road will be liable to any untoward turn of event and action,” it added.

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