Kohima: The Chakhesang Student’s Union (CSU) staged a peaceful protest in Pfutsero on October 7 to demand the removal of M/S Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt Ltd. The contractor failed to finish the Kohima-Jessami National Highway-29, Package-II, on schedule. Union leaders submitted a formal grievance to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, calling for a fresh tender. The project spans 21.90 kilometers from near Kigwema Road to Kikruma Village.
Construction began after the contract was awarded on October 10, 2023. Officials originally set a completion deadline of January 4, 2026. Despite a six-point agreement signed on June 22, 2026, progress sits at a dismal 44 percent. NHIDCL granted an extension until September 24, 2026, ignoring earlier pleas from the union. Work remains stalled. The CSU explicitly warned the Ministry that it would launch further agitation if the contractor is not terminated within 14 working days.
The union highlighted the human cost of the road's poor condition. "For the Chakhesang community and other neighboring districts, this road is not merely a highway, it is a lifeline used daily by students, patients, families, workers and traders," the group stated. Commuters face frequent accidents and health risks while businesses suffer heavy losses. The union previously sought help from the Governor of Nagaland on February 27, 2025, and petitioned the NHIDCL Executive Director in Kohima on August 24, 2026.
Solidarity for the protest came from several groups. These included the Naga Students’ Federation, Angami Students' Union, Pochury Students' Union, and the Chakhesang Mothers' Association. Phek district trade and vehicle associations also joined the demonstration. CSU President Povozo Soho and General Secretary Rhilo Chiero signed the final representation, demanding immediate maintenance of the route until the project is finished.
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