Nagaland: Amid row with Assam, Ao body demands Govt to complete Foothill Road Project

DIMAPUR: The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation MAYO) has demanded the Nagaland State Government to complete the ambitious 'Foothill Road Project' at the earliest amid the economic blockade by Civil Society Organizations of Assam.

The organization stated that it is "appalled by the fact that the state government of Nagaland had introduced 14 National Highway Projects worth INR 4127 crores confined only to a certain geographical area and totally ignoring one of the oldest and most important connectivity roads in the state."

"The 'foothill Rood that runs through various districts of the state without touching Assam had assumed greater importance, especially during the recent times as at least 11 Naga tribes are constantly being held at ransom by the people of neighboring Assam with the imposition of the economic blockade at the drop of a hat just because we are compelled to pass through Assam," it added.

The Ao body pointed out that the foothill road has been surveyed and construction began as early as 1974 but unfortunately, it is yet to see the light of the day even alter 46 years.

"While appreciating the leaders of yesteryears who had a vision to build such a magnanimous project. it is wry sad that in spite of 57 sears of statehood we still have many districts living at the mercy of others because of the incomplete foothill road connectivity," it added.

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Although the previous Naga People's Front (NPF) Government had allocated funds, it said, it added that the project is stagnant without any further fund allocation and the affected districts continue to beat the mercy of other states.

The Ao body urged the Neiphiu Rio-led Government to give top priority towards the completion of the foothill road at the earliest as only a very short stretch of the road is lying incomplete.

"We also appreciate the resumption of the bridge construction over Doyang River and expect surely completion of the same. This will immediately benefit Mon, Tuensang. Tongleng, Mokolichung Zunheboto, and Wokha districts who are being constantly harassed while crossing Assam," it said

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