The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) in collaboration with the Kikrüma Students Union on May 10 organised a peaceful protest at North Kikrüma Village under Phek district. The agitation is being held against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the EPC contractor, M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd.’s failure to address the pertaining road condition between Kohima to Jessami (Package 2).

During the formal program held at North Kikrüma , CSU President Pfhulo Sara expressed resentment towards the NHIDCL and M/S Ratna Infrastructure Projects private Limited for continuously giving unreasonable excuses and deliberately delaying the project work. On October 10, 2023 the project ( NH 29 Pkg 2 ) was awarded to M/S Ratna and on January 5, the work began however there has not been any significant progress, Sara informed. Despite repetitive representations submitted by the CSU, no positive response were met, compelling the Union to come out to the streets and express their dissatisfaction.

Highlighting the CSU’s ultimatum submitted to NHIDCL on May 2, Sara highlighted that the Union demanded for filling up of potholes, clear road blockages, to provide drainages and mitigate rockfall and landslides. “This particular road does not only serves as a life line to the villagers of Kikrüma or Phek District but also serves as a vital communication to Meluri District and Kiphire District etc. Due to the negligence of the debilitating road conditions, students, youths and entrepreneurs are suffering,” stated the CSU President.

Highlighting the latest report on the progress of project i.e 30th April 2025, the CSU President mentioned that M/S Ratna has been able to complete physical work and progress at 10.69 percent and financial progress of 7.4 percent. The original schedule of completion of the work is dated January 4, 2026, which according to Sara, left them with less than one year to complete the project. “With only 10 percent of physical work completed, and only 7 percent of financial progress, the CSU is in doubt whether RATNA will be able to complete work by the end of 4th January 2026,” questioned Sara.

Appealing for the earliest exhibition of work, the CSU also demanded for enough machineries and employees deployed to the site to expedite the whole process of construction.

The Union further demanded RATNA to provise a positive response, failing which it cautioned take further action. The CSU also reminded the NHIDCL, RATNA and all agencies that if their demands are not met at the earliest, the organization will intensify the agitation.

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Highlighting the grievances of the public, Thipusuyo Tunyi, VCC North Kikrüma informed that the project for two lane started before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “It has been more than seven years that the people are suffering. Along with the villagers, we have approached them but there has been many excuses,” stated Tunyi who expressed gratitude to CSU for their support.

Voicing out the collective grievances, Kuzuto Swuro, General Secretary CSU in his concluding remarks, stated, “The NHIDCL / RATNA has never considered the cry of CSU and for which we are compelled to come to the streets and protest. CSU have even submitted representations to the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, apprised the same to his Excellency, the Governor of Nagaland, the Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who is the minister-in charge of National Highways in Nagaland. Yet the agency have never addressed the demand of the CSU.” Further, Swuro expressed support of the PMG meeting minutes which highlighted the termination of RATNA contractors if they fail provide adequate measures.

Earlier during the protest, the formal session was lead by Povozo Soho, Vice-President CSU and invocation by Vetsonüyo Tunyi, Catechist, North Kikruma. Solidarity messages were given by Veswu Vero, President Kikruma Students Union and Vesuta Kezo, President, North Kikruma Students Union. Zavepra Puro, VDB Secretary, North Kikruma also highlighted the public grievances.

Protestor’s numbering upto 100 were seeing holding placards showing their solidarity and also resentment towards the negligence by NHIDCL and RATNA group.