In a dramatic escalation of protests over deteriorating road conditions, the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) in Nagaland’s Phek district announced that it had “seized” 12 vehicles belonging to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and its contractors. The action is part of an indefinite blockade launched on National Highway-29 to press for urgent repairs and resumption of stalled construction work.
The student-led protest began on May 13, targeting the incomplete 29-km stretch of the Kohima-Jessami road (Package-II), a vital link that connects the state capital, Kohima, to Phek, Meluri, and Kiphire districts. Protesters have barred movement of all NHIDCL and contractor-owned vehicles, though exemptions have been made for emergency and essential services including medical, police, and administrative transport. According to CSU President Pfhulo Sara, a total of 13 vehicles were held over the first two days of the protest—nine on Monday, including one belonging to the state government, and four more on Tuesday. “The indefinite blockade will continue until there is visible and immediate progress on the ground,” Sara stated.
The CSU has voiced deep frustration over the repeated delays in road construction and the poor condition of the existing highway, which residents say has severely impacted transportation and daily life. In particular, they highlighted the worsening state of potholes, accumulation of landslide debris, and broken drainage systems along the route. A meeting held on Monday between CSU leaders and representatives of the contracting firms ended without any concrete resolution. The CSU rejected verbal assurances from contractors, instead demanding immediate deployment of machinery and skilled labor at the site. “The people of Kikruma village and neighboring areas depend heavily on this highway. It is unacceptable that after years of promises, the condition of the road remains hazardous and unfit for travel,” said a CSU member.
