KOHIMA, OCT 21: The Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) has initiated a restriction on the movement of goods trucks with more than three axles (above 10 tyres) along the National Highway-2 (Kohima to Mao road). The decision follows an unsatisfactory response from the State Government regarding the organization’s earlier demands.
SAYO President Metekhrielie Mejura, addressing the media, stated that the group had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Deputy Chief Minister on October 4, requesting the construction of a 2-lane road and the immediate repair of the 26.7 km stretch of NH-2 between Kohima and Mao Gate. However, with no response after the deadline, SAYO volunteers began blocking the movement of heavy trucks from 5 p.m. of Sunday evening, citing the significant damage caused by these vehicles to the already deteriorating road.
SAYO has deployed volunteers at Phesama’s old check post and at the Khuzama inter-state boundary to enforce the restriction. Mejura reported that 35 trucks with more than three axles have been stopped, though those carrying goods for the upcoming Hornbill Festival are being allowed to pass.
Mejura explained that SAYO has made multiple appeals to the Central Government and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through the State Government to repair the road. Initially, a 4-lane road was proposed, but it was scaled down to a 2-lane project for technical reasons. Despite this, even the 2-lane proposal was abandoned, leaving only minimal strengthening of the current road.
He emphasized that the road is in no condition to support heavy vehicles, leading to frequent accidents and severe dust pollution, both of which pose a risk to the safety and well-being of the local population.
Although the government has taken some steps, Mejura described them as inadequate and emphasized that SAYO’s actions are not anti-government but aimed at protecting the welfare of the people and ensuring their grievances are addressed.
