The Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) has expressed strong concern over remarks made during the ninth session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding the closure of road development projects in Noklak district, particularly the Chendang Saddle–Noklak–Pangsha Road (Phase-II), covering approximately 31 km and the Noklak–Thonoknyu via Sanglao Road Project, covering approximately 59 km.
In a statement, the KSU said the explanations presented on the floor of the House did not, in its view, fully reflect the situation on the ground. While acknowledging prolonged monsoon conditions, difficult terrain and recurring landslides as genuine challenges, the Union questioned any suggestion that the projects were not executed or were closed because of unresolved land compensation issues.
The Union further 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.
It demanded that if such claims exist, the authorities should make the relevant official records and documentary evidence available.
The Union sought clarity on several issues, including when and where the alleged compensation disputes arose, the villages and landowners involved, the amount demanded, whether formal claims or representations were submitted, the authority responsible for execution and monitoring, the contractors or agencies engaged, utilisation of sanctioned funds and the circumstances that led to the refund and closure of the projects.
Monsoon, landslides cannot be blanket explanation
The KSU said Noklak, like other districts of Nagaland, undoubtedly faces difficult terrain, recurring landslides and prolonged monsoon conditions. However, such challenges alone cannot justify the prolonged non-execution or eventual closure of major infrastructure projects.
It asked the authorities must provide a clear and transparent account of the projects—what work was actually completed, what remains unfinished, how much public money was utilised, what specifically prevented further execution, and why the projects were ultimately closed.
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Stating that weather and terrain may pose challenges to infrastructure development, the KSU said they cannot become a blanket explanation for years of delay, incomplete works or the closure of projects without accountability.
₹15.71 crore refund questioned
The KSU specifically sought transparency over the reported ₹1,570.97 lakh (₹15.71 crore) refund connected with the Chendang Saddle–Noklak–Pangsha Road (Phase-II) project.
It questioned why the project remained incomplete more than 14 years after its commencement and demanded details of the physical work completed, funds utilised, reasons for non-utilisation of the remaining funds, and the authorities responsible for recommending and approving the project’s closure and refund.
‘People have cooperated with development’
The KSU strongly rejected any impression that the people of Noklak had obstructed development projects.
It said residents had consistently supported genuine developmental initiatives and cited the execution of the Chendang Saddle–Noklak Road project in 2022, during which communities allegedly provided stones and other locally available construction materials voluntarily in support of the work.
The Union also said NGOs, civil society organisations, village authorities and community organisations in the district had consistently extended cooperation to genuine development activities. It further acknowledged the cooperation of Naga political groups operating in the region, particularly in facilitating road, connectivity and public infrastructure projects.
“Development is a collective responsibility,” the Union said, asserting that people of Noklak should not be portrayed as an impediment to development when communities and other stakeholders had extended cooperation.
Seeks accountability from contractors
The KSU also questioned the repeated awarding of works on the same road stretch to contractors or firms which, according to the Union, had records of unsatisfactory execution.
It called for contractors or firms that withdraw from, abandon or wilfully default on departmental projects in violation of stipulated specifications to be held accountable and permanently debarred from undertaking future projects within the ancestral land of the Khiamniungans.
The Union said alleged force majeure circumstances or unsubstantiated compensation claims should not be used as a pretext for contractual non-performance or evasion of responsibility.
The KSU said it remains ready for an open, transparent and fact-based discussion with the concerned Government departments, executing agencies, contractors, public representatives and all 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 no section of the public should be made a scapegoat for project failure or closure without documentary evidence.
