Representation submitted to Dy CM
Peren, February 13 (MExN): The ZeliangrongBaudi (N), Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation and Zeme Council (N) have voiced support for the new alignment of NH-129A via Mhainamtsi-Lamhai-Dungki-Heningkunglwa-Ngwalwa-Vidima-7thMile, Chümoukedima connecting NH-29.
In a representation submitted to the State Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on February 12, the Presidents of the organizations stated that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway, Government of India had accorded sanction for construction of a 2-lane Highway connecting Maram-Peren-Dimapur section of NH-129A (Manipur-Nagaland) following which tendering process was initiated by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and Work Orders have been issued for some portions of the upcoming 2-lane National Highway.
Responding to objections to the new alignment from Mhainamtsi leading to 7th Mile, Chümoukedima by some organizations, the letter clarified that the old alignment via Mhainamtsi- Pimla -7th Mile was strongly objected to by the ancestral landowner Lamhai Village since 2019 purely on the ground of land dispute with the Sumi villages.
They asserted that the new alignment is ‘the most suitable and appropriate option’ since there is no dispute with land ownership and any such issues may further delay of road construction. There is no land dispute between Lamhai-Dungki and Chümoukedima, they stated.
On the contrary, the alignment proposed by the Organisations passes through several Sumi villages most of which are established within the disputed area, they stated.
The letter also added that boundary disputes between Peren and Dimapur districts have not been settled till date and as such, villages within the disputed area claiming to fall under the jurisdiction of Dimapur District is unsubstantiated.
Until disputes over land are resolved, the possibility of a National Highway passing through disputed areas is unfeasible and not viable with strong reason, they added.
In light of the above, the Peren CSOs requested the State government to go ahead with the new alignment of NH-129A Peren-Dimapur portion via Mhainamtsi-Lamhai-Dungki-Heningkunglwa-Ngwalwa-Vidima-7thMile which will not touch any land dispute area.
They assured ‘unflinching support’ and cooperation till the completion of the project.
