Kohima: The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of National Highway-2 (Kohima–Mao road), particularly near Phesama village, where a massive road sink has severely disrupted daily life. In a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, the Union has appealed for immediate and “extraordinary” intervention to mitigate the ongoing crisis.
While acknowledging the proactive steps already taken by the district administration and the state government, the ASU expressed strong dissatisfaction over the alleged “lackadaisical workmanship” by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the agency tasked with executing several key infrastructure projects in the region.
“We remain deeply alarmed by the lackadaisical workmanship exhibited by the NHIDCL, under whose responsibility several critical projects fall,” the ASU stated.
The Union noted that the current state of the road poses a grave risk to commuters and reflects deeper lapses in accountability and quality assurance. “The current state of the affected stretch poses not only a severe threat to the lives of commuters but also reflects a larger lapse in accountability and quality control.”
Highlighting the ripple effects of the road disruption, the ASU stated that a large number of school and college students are facing immense hardship, with academic routines and examinations being severely affected.
The Union added that the impact is not limited to education alone but extends to livelihoods, essential services, and both intra- and inter-state travel.
In its appeal, the ASU urged the Deputy Commissioner to expedite restoration works with strict monitoring of quality and deadlines to ensure that the affected stretch is made safe and operational at the earliest. The Union also called for the provision of a safe and viable alternate route that allows uninterrupted travel for all sections of the public during the restoration phase.
The ASU further appealed for transportation support to be arranged specifically for students and daily commuters who are facing immense difficulties due to the disruption. Recognising the burden on local communities, the Union also called for financial and logistical assistance to be extended to the most affected groups, particularly students and transport workers whose daily lives and incomes have been severely impacted.
Lastly, the Union requested that a long-term audit be conducted, along with the implementation of preventive measures for existing infrastructure under NHIDCL in the region, to avoid such incidents in the future and ensure better accountability.
Stressing the urgency of the situation, the Union assured full cooperation with the authorities in efforts aimed at restoring normalcy and protecting the welfare of the public.
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