The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) hoisted black flags along portions of the NH-29 on Thursday as it continued its fourth phase of agitation against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the EPC contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd. over the prolonged and deplorable handling of the Kohima-Jessami Road (Package 2) project.
Marking the day-14 of its symbolic protest, the CSU in a statement said that hoisting of black flags along the road signifies the student body’s strongest resentment at the persistent negligence and failure of both NHIDCL and the contractor to address pressing concerns.
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“Despite multiple appeals and formal communications, neither party has demonstrated sincere intent nor made visible progress on the ground. The Kohima-Jessami Road is a critical lifeline for the region. However, substandard execution by M/s Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd. has endangered lives, disrupted mobility, and severely impeded both economic and developmental activities in the area,” the CSU statement said.
“With the monsoon season underway, conditions have further deteriorated. Potholes have increased in number, and rainwater now inundates the road, effectively transforming it into a river. The complete absence of a proper drainage system has worsened the situation, posing grave safety hazards and accelerating structural degradation,” the union stated.
“In response to these repeated failures, gross negligence, and lack of accountability, the CSU has submitted a formal representation to the Managing Director of NHIDCL, New Delhi. This submission is backed by recommendations from the Phek District PMU (Ref: No. DCPK/LR/2-LANE/GEN/1/2021/171, dated Phek, 13th June 2024), as well as NHIDCL letters (Ref: NHIDCL/PMU-PFU/KJ-II/RIPPL/Vol-1/68 dated 19-08-2024 and NHIDCL/PMU-PFU/KJ-II/RIPPL/Vol-1/112 dated 1-04-2025), demanding the immediate termination of M/s Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd.,” the statement said.
Reiterating that it will not remain a silent spectator to the ongoing hardship faced by the people, the union asserted its unwavering stance in its commitment to exhaust every democratic and legal avenue to ensure justice is served and a competent, accountable contractor is appointed for timely and quality completion of the project.
The CSU further called upon all relevant authorities and stakeholders to act without delay, stating that the time for excuses is over and the moment demands accountability and decisive action.
