Stakeholders in Satoi Range have appealed to all Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to exempt the long-awaited Zhekiye–Satoi Road project, as well as development funds and ongoing infrastructure projects in the area, from taxation and other financial deductions.

The joint appeal was made by the Satoi Range GBs’ Association, Satoi Range Students’ Union (SRSU), Satoi Range Sumi Totimi Loka (STL) and other stakeholders, who said the remote region had remained significantly behind in basic infrastructure and essential services due to difficult terrain and decades of inadequate connectivity.

The stakeholders said the commencement of the Zhekiye–Satoi Road project and other development initiatives had generated renewed hope among the people, but stressed that their successful implementation depended on the effective utilisation of the funds sanctioned for the projects.

They said every rupee allocated for development in the region was vital for improving road connectivity, bridges, public infrastructure and essential services, and argued that any deduction from development funds could affect the pace, quality and scope of the works.

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“We respectfully urge all concerned NNPGs and stakeholders to keep development funds completely free from taxation and other financial deductions,” the stakeholders said, adding that this would ensure maximum resources reached the projects and communities for which they were intended.

They also appealed for the Zhekiye–Satoi Road construction and other ongoing development works to remain free from interference so that the projects could proceed peacefully, continuously and without disruption.

At the same time, the stakeholders placed responsibility on the contractor, executing agencies and government departments to ensure that the works were carried out in accordance with approved designs, specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.

They warned that compromise in quality, unnecessary delays, substandard execution or unauthorised deviations from the approved works would not be viewed lightly, adding that they would continue to monitor the progress and quality of the projects.

The stakeholders further urged the State Government, District Administration and law-enforcement authorities to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for uninterrupted execution of the development projects.

“The people of Satoi have waited for decades for meaningful connectivity and development. This opportunity must not be compromised. Development funds must reach development works, and development works must reach the people,” they said.