Landowners blocking the NH-29 Kohima-Jessami stretch in protest over unpaid compensation on July 17.
Kohima, July 17 (MExN): A total blockade of National Highway 29 was enforced peacefully on July 17 by aggrieved landowners affected by the ongoing construction of the Kohima-Jessami 2-lane road, covering Packages 2, 3, 4, and 5.
The blockade, which began at 6:00 AM, was organised by landowners demanding overdue damage compensation related to the road construction project. According to the organisers, the protest will remain in effect pending the outcome of a crucial meeting scheduled to be held at 10:30 AM at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Phek. The meeting was convened by the Deputy Commissioner of Phek to bring together all stakeholders involved in the dispute.
"The landowners remain resolute in their demand for the payment of overdue damage compensations, which has been the focal point of their peaceful protest," a press statement issued by the organisers stated.
The statement added that the continuation of the blockade would depend on the decisions and commitments made during the meeting with the concerned authorities.
While urging the public for cooperation, the landowners appealed to commuters to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience along the affected stretch of NH-29. "During the ongoing blockade, the landowners reiterate their call for understanding from the public and urge commuters to make use of alternative routes to avoid inconveniences along the affected stretch of the National Highway 29," the statement said.
They also expressed appreciation for the peaceful manner in which the blockade was carried out and thanked supporters for standing by their cause. "They remain committed to pursuing a just resolution to the damage compensation matter through dialogue and engagement with the authorities," it added.
