13 Dimapur-based tribal Hohos have urged the Chief Minister to ensure the issuance of the second phase work order for the Foothills Road project on or before 31 March 2026, warning that failure to meet the deadline would compel them to resort to democratic means. The bodies expressed appreciation for government support towards the project, known as the Nagaland People's Road, while stressing that remaining formalities must not be delayed. They described the project as a people-driven initiative of high public value.

The Foothills Road project covers a stretch of 395.9 kilometres from Tizit in Mon district to Khelma in Peren district and passes through eight districts and more than 200 villages. The tribal signatories urged the Nagaland Public Works Department (Road & Bridge), NPWD, to expedite the issuance of work orders for the remaining divisions under the second phase before 31 March 2026. They framed the project as one of the noblest initiatives of the people of Nagaland.

The representation recalled that the Minister for the Nagaland Public Works Department (Road & Bridge), NPWD, had earlier stated that he would not hesitate to resign should the project fail. It noted that despite the expiry of a stipulated 12-month period in December 2025, certain contractor firms, including JK Constructions and Chabou & Co, particularly under Baghty Division, were reportedly unable to complete works satisfactorily in terms of quality and progress. Following public pressure and departmental review, a show cause notice was issued to the firms on 4 February 2026.

The minister subsequently visited the work sites on 7 February 2026 and set 31 March 2026 as the revised deadline for completion. The tribal bodies warned that failure to meet the deadline or any compromise in workmanship would represent an unpardonable setback to what they described as a people-centred project. They clarified that the public did not intend to single out any particular department or representative and emphasised that in a democratic setup concerned departments and elected representatives are answerable to the people.