Nagaland Member of Parliament S. Supongmeren Jamir has rejected claims circulating on social media regarding compensation linked to the proposed Foothills Road project, stating that such reports are “baseless and misleading” and have created unnecessary confusion among the public. In a detailed clarification issued on Tuesday, the MP addressed growing concerns over compensation for properties that may be affected by the project. He said that several posts and reports shared online were not based on verified facts and were misleading stakeholders, including landowners and local communities.Jamir also responded to questions raised about the validity of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) reportedly issued by 14 tribal Hohos. According to him, demands to declare the NOC “null and void” were being circulated without proper information, leading to further misunderstanding around the project.
On the issue of compensation, the MP clearly stated that reports suggesting payments for “fully damaged property” would only be made after approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are incorrect. He said there is no such confirmed decision at this stage and described the claims as completely unfounded.The Foothills Road project is being seen as an important infrastructure plan for Nagaland. It is proposed as part of a larger Trans-Nagaland Highway network, aimed at improving road connectivity across foothill areas of the state. These regions currently face many transport-related challenges, especially due to difficult terrain and poor road conditions.Officials have already taken initial steps to move the project forward. The Nagaland government has submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to the central government, seeking approval to upgrade the proposed route into a National Highway. The project is estimated to cost around ₹3,284 crore and is expected to play a key role in boosting movement of goods and people across the state.
However, the project has also seen some disagreements among different groups. Concerns have been raised by stakeholders such as the Foothills Committee, tribal Hohos and landowners who may be directly affected by the road alignment. These concerns mainly relate to land issues, compensation, and the process of consultation.Taking note of these issues, Jamir called for a coordinated approach to address all concerns. He stressed the need for proper communication and dialogue among all parties involved. He said that restoring trust among stakeholders is very important for the smooth progress of the project.The MP further urged the authorities to bring together the state government, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and local community representatives to discuss the matter openly. He said that only through dialogue and mutual understanding can a solution be found that is acceptable to everyone. He also highlighted that development projects like the Foothills Road must move forward, but not at the cost of ignoring public concerns. According to him, a balanced and inclusive approach is necessary so that both development goals and the rights of affected people are protected. The clarification comes at a time when discussions around the project are gaining attention both online and on the ground. With differing views emerging from various groups, the MP’s statement seeks to clear confusion and bring focus back to verified information and constructive dialogue.
