Khiamniungan Students' Union (KSU) has issued a seven-day notice to the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges), Government of Nagaland, seeking written clarification on the status of the Chendang Saddle–Pangsha (Phase-II) Road Project and the Noklak–Thonoknyu Road via Sanglao.

In a statment on October 12, the KSU said it was dissatisfied with the department's reply to its Right to Information (RTI) application, stating that the reply did not satisfactorily explain the implementation and present status of the two projects. The Union cited delays, stoppage and reported closure of the projects, and said it saw conflicting explanations on land compensation, alleged intervention by organisations, suspension of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discontinuation of the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme.

The KSU said the department's reply of September 28 reportedly attributed the closure of the project to the discontinuation of the NLCPR scheme by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The contractor, it said, has reportedly attributed the stoppage of work in 2022 to unresolved land compensation. The Union sought an explanation reconciling the two positions, along with village-wise details of compensation assessed, sanctioned, disbursed and outstanding.

The Union also sought the identity of the NGO or organisation allegedly linked to the stoppage, referring to statements reportedly made by the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), and the contractor on July 12, 2024. It asked for related records, dates and details of any inquiry or action taken. It further asked the department to specify the exact period, reasons and responsible authority for the reported nine-to-ten-month suspension of work during the pandemic.

The KSU asked the department to explain the circumstances of the reported closure of both projects, clarify the responsibilities of the authorities and the contractor, and give a definite timeline for completing the outstanding works, subject to approvals and funding.

According to the release, the department has been asked to respond point-wise, with documentary evidence, within seven days of receiving the notice. The Union said that failure to respond, or an incomplete, evasive or unsupported reply, would compel it to consider "democratic and lawful measures" before the competent authorities.

The KSU said continued inaction and delays could intensify public frustration, and that it holds the state government and the department accountable for taking timely preventive and corrective measures. It added that responsibility would be raised before the appropriate authorities in accordance with the law if any untoward situation arose from inaction.

The Union said reliable road connectivity is essential for the affected communities' access to education, healthcare, transport and economic activity. It reiterated that it would pursue the matter through peaceful, democratic and lawful means.