KSU seeks clarity on closure of Noklak road projects

Kohima, September 6 (MExN): The Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) has sought transparency and documentary evidence over the closure of two major road projects in Noklak district, stating that explanations given during the recently concluded session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) did not fully reflect the situation on the ground.

The KSU, in a press release issued on September 6, referred to the Chendang Saddle–Noklak–Pangsha Road (Phase-II), covering around 31 km, and the Noklak–Thonoknyu via Sanglao Road project, covering around 59 km.

The Union said it was “utterly shocked” by remarks concerning the closure of the projects, particularly any suggestion that unresolved land compensation issues contributed to their non-execution or closure.

“Any attempt to attribute the non-execution or closure of these projects to alleged land compensation issues must be supported by clear and verifiable documentary evidence,” it said.

According to the KSU, its engagements with village authorities, landowners, contractors, implementing agencies, civil society organisations and the public had not revealed any instance where the projects were obstructed specifically due to unresolved land compensation demands.

It also claimed that, based on information available to it and records maintained by the Executive Engineer, PWD (Roads & Bridges), Noklak Division, it had found no record establishing that the projects were delayed, suspended or discontinued specifically because of land compensation disputes.

The Union has therefore sought details on where and when the alleged compensation issues arose, the villages and landowners involved, amounts demanded and whether any formal claims or representations were submitted. It also sought details of the authorities responsible for execution and monitoring, contractors engaged, funds utilised and the circumstances leading to the refund and closure of the projects.

The KSU said prolonged monsoon conditions, difficult terrain and recurring landslides were genuine challenges in Noklak, but “cannot, by themselves, justify the prolonged non-execution or closure of major infrastructure projects.”

The Union also questioned the reported refund of Rs 1,570.97 lakh related to the Chendang Saddle–Noklak–Pangsha Road (Phase-II) project. It sought an explanation for why the project remains incomplete more than 14 years after its commencement.

It called for disclosure of the physical work completed, funds utilised, reasons for non-utilisation of the remaining funds, and details of who recommended and approved the closure and refund.

The KSU maintained that the people of Noklak had consistently supported development projects. Citing the execution of the Chendang Saddle–Noklak Road project in 2022, it said the public had extended cooperation, including voluntarily providing stones and other locally available construction materials.

“Therefore, it is deeply concerning if the people of Noklak are now indirectly portrayed as an impediment to development when the ground reality reflects cooperation from the public, NGOs, civil society, village authorities and other stakeholders,” the Union said.

The KSU also questioned the repeated awarding of works on the same road stretches to contractors or firms with what it described as a record of unsatisfactory execution.

It said contractors or firms that withdraw from, abandon or wilfully default on departmental projects in violation of stipulated specifications should be held accountable and permanently debarred from future projects in the ancestral land of the Khiamniungans.

“No alleged force majeure or unsubstantiated claim for compensation shall be accepted as a pretext for contractual non-performance or evasion of liability,” it stated.

The KSU said it remained ready for an “open, transparent and fact-based discussion” with government departments, executing agencies, contractors, public representatives and other stakeholders.

“The people of Noklak have never been against development. They have supported it, cooperated with it and even contributed resources towards it,” the Union said, adding that people should not be made “a scapegoat” for the failure or closure of projects without documentary evidence.