Land compensation issue: Property owners of Chozuba, Sekruzu area seek justice

A view of Chozuba Town where the 2 Lanning of Chakhabama-Zunheboto Road Project is expected to pass through. Work has been halted due to the discrepancies arising out of land compensation. (Photo Courtesy: 2 LAPOA)

•    Crores sanctioned allegedly against non existing structures under the names of organisations, communities and individuals

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 23 (MExN): The aggrieved party of the ongoing 2 Lanning Chakhabama-Zunheboto Road Property Owners Association (2 LAPOA) of Chozuba and Sekruzu area under SARDP-NE, Phek Division has sought justice while demanding fair compensation and transparency on land acquisition issue.

A press statement issued by the Association reminded that due to huge discrepancies that arose in the first assessment of properties in 2016, the public of the affected villages and towns requested the authorities for proper re-verification and rectification. 

However, to the utter dismay of the property owners, the whole re-verification process was just namesake since all procedural norms were flouted, and therefore, is highly questionable, it said. 

Highlighting the facts that determine the nature of re-verification, the Association pointed out that the first assessment of 2016 was totally ignored even when there was no cancellation order (RTI reply NO.DCP/ESTT/RTI-2003/2017 (vol-11) 459; dated Phek the 3rd August 2019 NO. 3).

It stated that many genuine affected and to be affected properties were deliberately left out, GPS mapping and systematic measurement was not done, many properties were underpaid, time for claims and objection was not given, and transparency was not maintained. 

Due to the following reasons, a series of RTI applications were filed through which many discrepancies were detected.
Among others, it alleged that multiple crores of rupees were sanctioned against non existing structures (bogus) under the names of organisations, communities and even individuals; Signatures were forged into the Actual Payment Receipts (APRs); Actual amounts credited to the accounts of individuals were inflated in the APRs; Amounts sanctioned against non existing structures (bogus); and Structures constructed after July 2018 were awarded compensation, which were contrary to the DC order.

It also stated that discrepancy was detected vide RTI reply vide No. DCP-ESTT/RTI-2005/2017/266, Dated Phek, the 15th June 2019 whereby it was mentioned that the compensation is for both cut and uncut, however, as per guideline, all damage compensation is for uncut and hence the RTI reply which is a legal document have legal issues.

Meanwhile the Association said it wrote an appeal letter dated 28th June 2019 followed by a representation on July 2 to the Deputy Commissioner, Phek for redress of grievances.  But the DC had issued an order on July 29 or clearance of compensated properties, before any re-verification or investigation is made, it alleged.

The Association said its latest course of action was an appeal letter to the Chief Secretary on  July 26 and waiting for his action. While affirming its full support to the ongoing project, the Association however termed it unfortunate that their rights has been suppressed and “we, who are fighting for our right to fair compensation and transparency are being threatened, accused, intimidated and summoned.”