KOHIMA, July 12: The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) has raised strong objections against the prolonged inaction of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) regarding the restoration of National Highway-29 (AH-1) at Phesama village, Kohima district. Despite public commitments made in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang and senior officials during a joint inspection on May 3, the collapsed stretch of this vital highway remains unrepaired 67 days past the assured 10-day deadline.

A massive landslide in late May severely damaged the highway, a historically significant route dating back to the British era. The road connects Nagaland’s Southern Angami region to neighbouring districts and the state of Manipur, and serves as a vital corridor for trade, commerce, and educational access within the region and toward Southeast Asia.

In a statement issued on Friday, SAPO criticized NHIDCL for what it termed a “serious breach of trust and betrayal,” noting that the agency continues to attribute delays to unstable weather conditions. The organisation stressed that engineering solutions such as slope stabilization, geotechnical monitoring, drainage systems, and early warning mechanisms are viable even during the monsoon season and must be implemented without excuse.

SAPO reminded the public that on June 3, Deputy CM Zeliang, accompanied by various departmental officials, had visited the affected site and met with stakeholders, including the Phesama Village Council. Former APO President Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi had voiced concerns over NHIDCL’s quality of work, while SAPO President Er. Tepul Hopovi raised questions regarding inadequate drainage and quality control. The NHIDCL Executive Director had then assured that restoration would be completed within 10 days — a promise that remains unfulfilled.

Meanwhile, SAPO expressed disappointment over the Manipur government’s perceived indifference, calling it “unacceptable,” despite the road’s critical role in supporting Manipur’s commuters, trade, and regional connectivity. The organisation urged the Manipur government to actively escalate the issue to the Centre instead of leaving it to Nagaland’s authorities and civil society alone.

Nagaland Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir had also visited the site on June 7, expressing concern over the disruption. Several public representatives, including Advisor Er. Kropol Vitsu, MLA Kevipodi Sophie, and leaders from the Angami Public Organisation (APO), have since visited the site urging swift action.

The Southern Angami community—including the Phesama Village Council, Youth Organisation, and Southern Angami Youth Organisation—has been assisting stranded commuters and facilitating humanitarian support, even as alternative routes continue to degrade under increased load and poor design.

Warning of intensified action, SAPO hinted that continued neglect may compel them to block all alternate routes used by interstate commuters. It reiterated its demand for NHIDCL to immediately barricade the hazardous site, deploy necessary manpower and machinery, and resume work without further delay.

SAPO concluded by urging the Central and State governments, as well as NHIDCL, to acknowledge the urgency and complexity of the crisis and act decisively to restore connectivity and public confidence.