Kohima, Nagaland, March 11 (HBTV): The Khuzama Students Care Union (KSCU) organized a protest against the deteriorating condition of the national highway passing through Khuzama, which has been neglected for years. The protest, which began at 12:00 AM from Khuzama Ground and culminated at Khuzama Agri Link Road, saw participation from students and various organizations.

Students from Sacred Heart High School, Khuzama Baptist Higher Secondary School, Khuzama Government High School, LP School, St. Joseph’s College (SJC), and Japfu Christian College took part in the demonstration. They were joined by the Khuzama Youth Organization, Khuzama Students Union, Khuzama Women’s Union, and Kohima Khuzama Circle.

The protest highlighted the worsening road conditions, particularly the stretch from Jakhama Village to Khuzama Village, which has not only caused economic hardships but has also led to severe health concerns due to dust pollution.

Addressing the gathering, former SASU Speaker Nunese Sale criticized the negligence of the authorities and pointed out that the highway, which connects Thailand, Myanmar, and Nagaland, is in a deplorable state. He noted that despite multiple memorandums submitted over the years, little action has been taken. Sale stressed the difficulties faced by students in reaching their schools and colleges on time and the urgent need to improve road conditions, especially for patients traveling to Kohima for medical emergencies.

Referring to NHIDCL’s claim on Facebook that 95% of the work has been completed, Sale questioned the accuracy of this statement. He further emphasized that numerous accidents occur along this stretch, many of which go unreported.

As a result of the continued neglect, the Khuzama Students Union and Khuzama Youth Organization have issued a two-day ultimatum to NHIDCL, demanding immediate road repairs. Sale insisted that all necessary machinery be deployed to Khuzama within this timeframe and assured that the organizations would personally monitor the progress to ensure timely completion of the work.

Khuzama Youth Organization’s Publicity and Information Secretary, Neisakhoto Tsukru, expressed grave concern over the government’s prolonged neglect of Khuzama Village. He pointed out that the poor road conditions have not only affected transportation but have also impacted livelihoods. Tsukru highlighted the severe health hazards caused by air pollution, stating that both young and elderly villagers are suffering. He urged authorities to prioritize the issue to improve the well-being of the community.

Khuzama Students Union President Khriezo Tsukru, while addressing the protestors, lamented the decline of Khuzama Village, which was once recognized as the cleanest village in the Southern Angami region but has now become one of the dustiest. He stated that the village has been deprived of its rights for over two decades, and despite their patience, no tangible action has been taken.

“This road is the main lifeline of our village, and we demand its repair without further delay,” said Khriezo Tsukru. “We have been silent for too long. It has been more than 20 years, and we have waited patiently for change. The time for waiting is over.”

With the ultimatum in place, all eyes are now on NHIDCL and the government to respond to the demands of the Khuzama community.