Dimapur, June 12 (MExN): In anticipation of the ‘eviction of illegal encroachments’ on Dimapur Airport land, the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The order, which came into effect from 8 PM on June 12, will remain enforced until 6 PM on June 13, unless withdrawn earlier, it said.
Accordingly, it prohibited the assembly of five or more persons and the carrying of lethal weapons or dangerous articles (including lathis, daggers, machetes, sticks, spears, catapults).
The restricted zone covers the following boundaries: East – Chathe River/Nihoto; West – Airport Boundary; North – Ekranipathar; and South – Diphupar (173rd Bn CRPF Camp).
The imposition was justified by citing a “reasonable apprehension of resistance or physical obstruction” that could endanger lives, public tranquillity, and property.
The order, issued on June 12, followed directives from the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, based on the judgment passed by the Gauhati High Court on May 27 and subsequent instructions issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima on June 12.
Due to the security situation, the order will be enforced ex-parte and made public through press announcements and notices at the offices of the District Administration (Chümoukedima/Dimapur), the DCP, ADCP, ACP, and all police stations under both districts, the order stated.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, also issued a detailed statement (see box and page 5), highlighting the various legal proceedings on the issue and justifying the eviction.
It pointed to the Gauhati High Court judgment on May 27, 2025, upholding the State’s authority to evict 22 individuals ‘illegally’ occupying government-acquired land for airport expansion based on “fraudulent and unauthorised pattas.”
Eviction order
Meanwhile, the order issued by the DC, Chümoukedima, stated that the district administration is “constrained” to carry out eviction on Dag Nos. 38 and 40 (Airport land) at Diphupar Village, citing the High Court’s clearance and the evictees’ continued failure to vacate despite multiple deadlines.
After the court’s verdict on May 27, the evictees were also given about 14 days to vacate the land, it underscored.
Issued under Section 8 (i) of the Nagaland Eviction of Persons in Unauthorised Occupation of Public Land Act, 1971, it authorised the ADCs of Chümoukedima and Dimapur to “evict the persons in unauthorised occupation of Dimapur Airport land and take possession of the said public land,” using “force as may be deemed necessary for the execution” of the order.
The order also directed the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, to provide adequate security and ensure proper traffic management during the course of the eviction exercise.
All concerned Departmental Officers and staff drafted for eviction duty, as per their assigned roles and responsibilities, were also tasked to extend full cooperation and render all necessary assistance to ensure the smooth execution of the planned eviction.
