Dimapur, February 8 (MExN): The Bhandari & Changpang Area Aggrieved Villages Forum (AFR B&CA) on Foothills Road project has reaffirmed its earlier “No Foothills Road, No Oil Exploration” stance during a general meeting held at Longtsiri Village under Bhandari Sub-Division on February 7.
Several resolutions were adopted during the meeting for immediate government attention, including a reaffirmation of the forum’s position on the approved road alignment from Longayim Village, linking Mangkolemba Division in Mokokchung district via Tssori Old and New.
Accordingly, the forum urged early issuance of the work order for the remaining stretch under Baghty Division. It further sought completion of the process on or before March 31, 2026, in line with the alignment approved following a representation submitted by the Lotha Hoho to the Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges), on June 4, 2024.
In a press release received here, the forum stated that failure to comply with what it termed its legitimate appeal would compel the affected public to initiate further stringent measures against the government through democratic means. The meeting also strongly urged the concerned department to initiate an open e-tender process and to undertake cutting of a 40-foot-wide road, inclusive of the existing cut portion, as already donated by the affected landowners.
Further, the house unanimously approved all points forwarded to the PWD (R&B) and reaffirmed its continued and unflinching cooperation with the Lotha Hoho and the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) for the remaining phases of the Foothills Road project to ensure inclusiveness and transparency.
