Kohima: Five tribal councils in Nagaland issued an ultimatum to the state government. They demand the completion of maintenance work on National Highway 202 by the first week of October 2026. This route serves as a vital artery for the Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, and Kiphire districts.
Leaders from the Chang, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimkhiung, and Tikhir tribes signed the joint representation. They submitted the document to the Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister in-charge of National Highways. The current Short-Term Maintenance Contract, held by Hi-Tech Construction & Co., Pace Enterprises, and Classic Construction, covers the period from June 19, 2025, to June 19, 2026. The councils argue the project remains stalled. They stated, "duration for the maintenance work has already lapsed without any visible execution."
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently sanctioned a new one-year contract for 2026-2027. Tribal leaders want this new deal held back. They insist the government must finish the previous 2025-2026 work first. The signatories referenced a July 20, 2026, meeting with the Deputy CM where officials discussed an interim arrangement to keep highway projects and land acquisition moving forward.
The memorandum calls for the immediate start of a long-awaited two-laning project. Local groups described the road as the "lifeline" for the region. They noted that while other parts of Nagaland enjoy upgraded two-lane connections, their highway lags behind. The representatives warned the government of further action if the October deadline passes without results.
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