The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on the Kohima-Jessami Road section of NH-29 has directed Ratna Infrastructure Projects to mobilise all required machinery and materials at the project site by October 30. The decision was taken at a joint meeting held at the Red Cross building in Kohima on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Chakhesang frontal organisations, the Pochury, Sangtam and Angami communities, and village representatives from Kezoma. The committee’s resolution followed discussions on the condition of the road and the concerns raised by people affected by the project.

According to an update issued after the meeting, the JAC expressed resentment over what it described as continued negligence by Ratna Infrastructure Projects and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation in addressing the grievances of affected people. The committee said the mobilisation directive was based on a written assurance provided by the firm’s project manager.

The JAC warned that failure to fulfil the assurance would leave it with no option but to initiate appropriate action. It also stated that the firm would be held solely responsible for any consequences arising from non-compliance with the commitment.

The committee separately resolved to write to the executive director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation and the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for Package-1. The letter will seek immediate repairs to the damaged road stretch in line with the requirements of the contract agreement.

The Kohima-Jessami road is an important route in Nagaland and has been the subject of repeated concerns over construction delays, damaged sections and the pace of work. The JAC’s latest resolution places a specific deadline on the contractor while also seeking intervention from the highway development authority on repairs.