Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): The aggrieved landowners of VK area, National Highway- 2 (Doyang to Izheto) has expressed displeasure against the Zunheboto district administration and national Highway authorities PWD (NH-2) Mokokchung for its alleged “pathetic response and ignorant attitude” towards their demand for the settlement of under-valued properties and non-inclusion of affected areas along NH-2.
According to a press release from the VK Area Adhoc Union (NH-2), in pursuit for such settlement, an official meeting was conducted by the ADC Akuluto wherein the PWD (NH) department Mokokchung was summoned along with the representatives of the aggrieved landowners (adhoc-union) VK area. During the meeting, “it was assured that the genuine demands of the aggrieved landowners will be looked into without delay, however there was no response from the authority whatsoever,” it claimed.
Thereafter, it said another meeting was called upon by the Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner along with the concerned department and representatives of the adhoc-union. The minutes of the meeting was forwarded to the Commissioner Nagaland by the Zunheboto DC on June 18, 2022 for further course of action, it maintained.
Consequently, it said that the Commissioner Nagaland in a response dated July 6, 2022, directed the district administration to examine and verify the complaints regarding undervalued and non inclusion of affected properties along NH-2 and initiate necessary steps to resolve/settle such issues in consultancy with the line department, and submit the report for further necessary action.
“However despite clear and direct order from the Commissioner Nagaland, the district administration (DC Zunheboto) has ignored the direct order from the higher authority in as much as coercing the innocent landowners into giving up their legal rights, thereby issuing the NOC/ROW for the work to begin without any consideration, which is nothing but absurd and unacceptable,” the release claimed.
Further, it also reminded the concerned authority, “that there is a prima facie case of corruption in the instance case for which the department PWD (NH) should be held responsible and liable, and in such scenario permission for beginning the work cannot be authorised by any means. Unless the issues are settled and resolved, NOC cannot be granted.”
It said that the steps and criteria adapted by the concerned dept/administration is “nothing but arbitrary and thus uncalled for.” The authorities instead of rectifying their mistakes are trying to cover up the illegal activities, which is totally unacceptable, it added.
The Union further asserted that it would be “compelled to take up the matters on our own which might create further complications,” if the issue is not resolved.
“Without any ambiguity we the union/aggrieved landowners VK area, once again states clear and loud as such, unless the grievances of those genuine beneficiaries are resolved, no construction of any type would be permitted, and anything done in contravention of this shall be borne solely by the concerned individuals,” the release stated.
