Zunheboto, February 23 (MExN): The SARDP Sumi Area Affected Landowners Welfare Committee (SSAALWC) served an ultimatum to Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, in connection with land compensation against the ongoing 2-laning of road under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (NE) in Sumi areas.
In its representation, the Committee stated that “no contractors/ firms shall execute the contract work within the affected jurisdiction until the compensation is cleared.” It said that the landowners had requested the authorities on several occasions to halt the project work until the 2nd phase of damaged property compensation is paid, but to no avail.
“Any untoward incidents occurred within the mentioned jurisdiction will be borne by the responsible authority and not by the affected land owners,” the statement read.
Further, it said that the present contractor (Madhucon Construction) must halt the ongoing work and leave the site immediately from the date of publication of this resolution.
Alluding to the traditional land rights, the committee maintained that no entity can force any developmental works/projects “without addressing the genuine issues with the landowner,” and cautioned that a Public Interest Litigation would be filed if the ultimatum is not complied with.
