The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has enforced a ban on heavy-duty trucks with three axles and above on the Phesama-Khuzama stretch of National Highway 2, following the expiry of its 15-day ultimatum to the Nagaland state government. The restrictions took effect Sunday evening, with checkpoints established at Phesama and Khuzama.
SAYO’s move is a response to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) failing to repair the dilapidated road despite multiple representations submitted since February 2022. SAYO president Metekhrielie Mejura stated that the poor condition of the highway has caused numerous accidents and health problems for local residents due to dust.
Mejura emphasized that the restriction aims to prevent further deterioration of the already fragile road surface, which has been heavily damaged by trucks. The SAYO plans to lift the restrictions once NHIDCL begins repair work on the affected stretch.
