Zunheboto, March 26 (MExN): In a significant development, the Sümi Hoho (SH) today declared that it will henceforth monitor and supervise the construction of foothills roads within Sümi-inhabited areas.
In this regard, the SH has urged Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Nagaland Minister for Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) G Kaito Aye to initiate the construction of the foothills roads at the earliest, emphasising the project's critical importance to the people of Nagaland.
Providing background on its decision, the SH stated that it had earlier taken serious note of a press statement issued by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) on February 28, which it believed personally targeted PWD (R&B) Minister Aye.
While acknowledging that constructive criticism is a natural aspect of democracy, the SH asserted that personal attacks demeaning a leader are unacceptable.
To address this concern, the SH engaged with NFHRCC leaders, urging them to take appropriate corrective measures. However, after these efforts failed to yield the desired outcome, the SH issued a press statement on March 13 through Nagaland dailies, seeking an apology from the NFHRCC.
In response, the NFHRCC invited the SH for a meeting on March 22 to discuss the issue, during which the SH clearly articulated its stance. However, according to the SH, the press statement released by the NFHRCC after the March 22 meeting ‘surprisingly’ contradicted the discussions held.
While reaffirming its support for the objectives of the NFHRCC, the apex Sümi tribal body stated that the development had caused discontentment regarding the committee’s leadership.
“Therefore, the SH hereby declares that it will henceforth monitor and supervise the foothills roads within the Sümi-inhabited areas,” stated a press release issued by SH President Dr Vihuto Asumi.
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