DIMAPUR, JULY 4 (MExN): The aggrieved landowners of the Kohima–Jessami two-lane road under Phek District have issued a formal notice to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Phek, demanding the immediate release of pending land compensation for construction packages 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the national highway project.
In a press release issued on July 4, the landowners expressed their frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving land damage compensation and criticised the administration and executing agencies, particularly the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), for failing to act despite “repeated appeals and reminders.”
"The notice strongly urges the Deputy Commissioner to immediately write to the concerned authorities, calling for the release of pending land damage compensation related to the aforementioned road project,” stated the release signed by Kuveluyi Chuzho, Convenor of the aggrieved landowners.
The release noted that no "concrete step" has been taken to disburse the rightful compensation for land acquired under the national infrastructure project. In view of what the landowners described as “continued delay and administrative inaction,” they announced their decision to launch a total blockade of the Kohima–Jessami National Highway if compensation is not released by July 15.
“This action, though unfortunate, has become inevitable due to the prolonged neglect of our legitimate grievances and the silence of the authorities, especially the NHIDCL,” the landowners stated.
They further added that any inconvenience caused to the public by the proposed agitation would be “solely the responsibility of the authorities who have failed to address the issue in time, despite ample opportunity.” The group urged the DC to "act swiftly and ensure that the due compensation is released immediately to avert the proposed agitation.”
The Kohima–Jessami two-lane road project is a crucial lifeline in eastern Nagaland, linking the state capital with remote areas of Phek district and beyond.
