Chumoukedima, October 23: Amid the agitation launched by the Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) over the alleged delay in the Chendang Saddle–Pangsha (Phase-II) road project and the Noklak–Thonoknyu road via Sanglao, Nagaland Minister Jacob Zhimomi has called for dialogue and collective responsibility to address the prolonged delay in the execution of development projects.The KSU had served a seven-day ultimatum to the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) on October 12, demanding clarification and accountability over the two road projects. Following what it described as an unsatisfactory response from the department, the union began its agitation on October 23 by shutting down the department’s office.
Reacting to the issue, Zhimomi said the Chendang Saddle road project was among the projects discussed during the last Assembly session in response to his questions about sanctioned projects that remained unimplemented despite receiving approval from the Central Government.He explained that delays in issuing work orders and the failure of executing agencies to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe had resulted in sanctioned funds being returned to the concerned ministries of the Government of India.According to Zhimomi, several road projects in international border areas had been awarded to highly qualified firms, but delays in execution had led to the loss of funds. He appealed to the KSU to sit across the table and find the best possible option and said that fighting in the street is not the solution. He further expressed concern over the difficulty of recovering funds once they had been returned to the Central Government.
NPF SAYS ELECTION DECISIONS WILL BE TAKEN AT APPROPRIATE TIME
On the Naga People’s Front (NPF)’s preparations for the next election, Zhimomi said it was too early to discuss seat-sharing arrangements or the number of constituencies the party would contest.He maintained that the NPF remained focused on Naga interests, welfare and identity, adding that decisions on electoral arrangements would be taken collectively by the party at the appropriate time.
NPF DEFENDS STAND ON MANIPUR POLITICAL SITUATION
Commenting on the NPF’s political position in Manipur and its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Zhimomi said the NPF’s Manipur unit functioned under the party’s central leadership based in Kohima, with its decisions receiving the concurrence of the central leadership.Describing the situation in Manipur as unfortunate, he expressed concern over the continuing violence and suffering of the people. He also referred to what he described as an exemplary gesture by Naga groups in releasing individuals who had been held in their custody following appeals from various quarters, including the NPF central office and Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF president Dr. Neiphiu Rio.Zhimomi said Rio had written a letter appealing that no harm be inflicted on those in custody despite the alleged provocations against the Naga people.He also referred to demands for the resignation of Manipur Deputy Chief Ministers, including NPF leader Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen.Questioning the situation surrounding the demand for Kipgen’s resignation, Zhimomi said her position in the government raised questions of moral responsibility amid the continuing violence and suffering of the people.He appealed to all communities in Manipur to come together for dialogue and work towards restoring peace.
ASSAM-NAGALAND BORDER ISSUE
On the Assam–Nagaland border issue, Zhimomi said the matter required a collective decision by the governments of both states.He stated that illegal settlements had contributed to tensions in the border areas, adding that joint decisions had been taken by the two governments to address the issue.Claiming that the affected areas were forest land along the border, he said steps would be taken to remove illegal settlers from the periphery of the Assam–Nagaland border.Zhimomi said the objective was to establish peaceful relations between the indigenous communities of Assam and Nagaland and ensure stability along the inter-state border.
