The launch of the Nagaland Foothill Road construction by construction companies – M/S Chabou & Co. and JK Construction – went ahead at Khumjo Yan under Bhandari Subdivision of Wokha district on Friday despite the opposition from the Nagaland Foothill Road Co-ordination Committee (NFHRCC) and twelve Dimapur based tribal organisations. The event was attended by Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, 40 A/C Bhandari.

Following the programme, a press conference was held, where the MLA recognised the efforts put in by the NFHRCC so far, however, as the representative of 40 Bhandari, he cannot afford to delay the work further which is already 3 months behind.

MLA Kikon stated: “The Foothill Road is a dream project for all Nagas, and we believe that everyone – both individuals and organisations – should contribute positively. It is my wish that the NFHRCC also comes forward to support the work and ensure it proceeds on schedule. Most importantly, the road must be completed within the given timeframe. Our people have suffered long enough, and as an elected representative, my primary concern is for the welfare of my people across this entire stretch. The constituency I represent, 40 Bhandari, covers the longest portion of the Foothill Road, and once completed, we’ll see 75% of the project finished. I don’t wish to cast any aspersions on the Foothill Committee, and I wish them all the best in their endeavours.”

On being asked if M/S Chabou & Co. and JK Construction communicated with NFHRCC for the launch, Kikon responded, “We undertake all our actions with the best of intentions and with transparency. If you look at the programme today, both Chabou & Co. and JK Construction organised the event, and I was invited as the guest to launch the construction work. The sequence of the event clearly recognised the NFHRCC’s involvement, and their contribution was acknowledged in the programme. It was their decision not to attend, and that’s their prerogative. We have no further comments on that.”

When questioned which specific agreements the two constructing companies had refused to comply with, Kikon maintained that the firms have already entered into agreements with the government and the Department of Roads and Bridges, so there is no need to sign any further agreements with any groups.

He added that although the efforts of NFHRCC are commendable, ultimately, the Nagaland Foothill Road is a government project intended to benefit the public.

Kikon added, “I represent the people of 40 Bhandari, and as their elected representative, I have the authority to launch this project… I cannot afford to delay this work further. The work order was issued in December 2024, and today, February 21st, 2025, three months have already been wasted. There are many factors at play, but I will not allow further delays.”

One the circular issued by the Chief Engineer of the PWD Roads & Bridges Department, calling for a meeting with contractors who have yet to sign agreements with the NFHRCC, Kikon said, “I see this as a positive initiative by the government, though it should have occurred earlier. The two construction firms—Chabou & Co. and JK Construction—were also considering attending the meeting. While I appreciate the government’s efforts, I cannot support any steps that delay the work further. As the elected representative of this area, I will not participate in actions that hold up progress. The project must proceed.”