North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretary, Ram Muivah today informed that the NEC has already released an amount of Rs. 75.44 crore (out of the total amount of Rs. 188.61 crore) as the first installment to the PWD, Government of Nagaland for rehabilitation and upgradation of the Longleng- Tuensang road.

He said the department will start processing for tendering and other paperworks soon.

Speaking at the consultative meeting on rehabilitation and upgradation of the Longleng- Tuensang Road under North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) at EAC HQ Sakshi under Longleng district, Muivah said the work should start by the first week of November.

Muivah also informed that it is the state government which has to send proposals to be undertaken under the NEC. He assured that any proposal under ENPO area will be taken up on priority basis.

Also speaking during the occasion, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the NEC for fulfilling the dreams of the people of Longleng and Tuensang.

Phom also sought cooperation from all sections of society irrespective of different entities so that the work can be completed in a stipulated time as per DPR specifications since the project is time bound.

The Minister also assured his full support and cooperation to the district administration and contractors for timely completion.  

While terming the day as "Red Letter Day", he also requested the public, particularly those who will be affected while executing the work, not to seek for land compensation as “the project doesn't provide any land compensation.”

He also requested the public to act as guardians so that no anti social elements disrupt the work.  Phom called upon NGOs & civil organizations of Longleng & Tuensang to closely coordinate and monitor the project in order to avert any anti social activities.

The Minister assured the PDA governments’ commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and expressed optimism that change is taking place in the state as assured during the election.