Kohima, December 19 (MExN): Rengma Landowners Association of National Highway No. 2, Tseminyu Sub-Division has asked the Chief Engineer, National Highway, Government of Nagaland and Commissioner & Secretary (W&H), Government of Nagaland on what ground the landowners of National Highway-2, Tseminyu sub-division are not entitled to get land compensation.
The query was in regard to the construction of the two-lane roads from Kohima to Amguri via Wokha and Mokokchung, which the association welcomed and appreciated.
Stating that the reason for the denial of land compensation should be made known to the landowners immediately, the association in an open letter to the Chief Engineer, National Highway, Government of Nagaland stated that it has not authorized any organization or council to take decision on its behalf on the matter.
It pointed out that the landowners of National Highway-29 (Dimapur to Kohima) were given adequate land compensation well ahead of the start of work, whereas the landowners of National Highway-2, especially Tseminyu sub-division, are denied of land compensation. “Kindly explain why this discrimination?” it added.
The letter also noted that in Nagaland, the ownership of the land is with the Naga people and not with Government, and individuals are the owners of the land. Asserting that landowners have every right to get land compensation, the letter demanded to clear all the land compensation before the construction of the work starts.
The letter was signed by Hillo Tep, president; Kehoyi Kez, general secretary; and Riga Thyü, treasurer.
