Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 11
The DUCCF said that the recent push made by civil society organisations, led by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and DUCCF have no ulterior motive besides resolving the dispute between the railway authorities, and land owners affected by the project to upgrade the Dimapur railway station.
As part of its ongoing push for resolving the dispute, the NDC and DUCCF sat with Dimapur-based civil society organisations on May 11. Speaking to the media following the meeting, DUCCF President, Zasivikho Zakiesato clarified that their sole objective is to assist the affected landowners, while pushing for development of the railway. According to him, the NCD represents 20 tribes and has converged with organisations like the DNSU, DUCCF, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, and the GB Union Dimapur Sadar.
"We have no hidden agenda. As we sat down for this discussion, it was about how we can help our own affected railway landowners,” Zakiesato said.
Addressing allegations by the railway authorities regarding illegal encroachment, the DUCCF President recognised the property claims of the residents, pointing out that the state government had issued them land deeds. “We cannot call them encroachers or illegal because the government has given them the patta,” he said.
The NCD recently invited Railway Affected Landowners Association (RALOA) members for a meeting. In response, the RALOA issued a statement asking the NCD to confine its involvement to that of a “pressure group.” While stating that they are anticipating their attendance, he said, “We are assuming that they will come. Because our discussion here is about how we can support them and move forward to the government together,” he said.
During the interview, Zakiesato acknowledged a 1992 Nagaland state government notification that instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur not to issue titles on government land. Despite the order, he said that the deeds were issued, and by virtue of which the title owners took up residency, thereby holding legitimate rights.
Zakiesato maintained that resolving the dispute is necessary to proceed with modernising the Dimapur railway station. He further called on the state government to expedite its procedures, as halting development works to the disadvantage of the public.
Meanwhile, the Railway Affected Landowners’ Association (RALOA) has convened a general meeting on May 13 to deliberate on “crucial matters concerning the land issue affecting the rights and interests of the landowners.”
A press release from the RALOA informed all landowners, advisors, office bearers and executive members to attend the meeting positively without fail. The meeting will be heldat 2 pm at Hotel Saramati Conference Hall, Dimapur.
