Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 10
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today said that he was taken by surprise over the ultimatum given to the state government on the foothill road project by certain organization to resort to agitation, unless sufficient funds are allocated till March 31, 2026.
Recalling his recent meeting with MORTH Minister, he said the later clearly stated, “They cannot pay land compensation. People have to give. Yes, there is a provision that in the National Highway, land compensation should be given. But let us understand, Foothill Road is not yet declared National Highway. So, you can't get land compensation. That should be understood.”
“If we want development, we have to part with our land. These are all agricultural land. If there are some properties damaged, I think that compensation may come,” Dr Rio said during the 8th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on March 10.
He said that the state cabinet has decided to serve notice to all the deputy commissioners to have meeting with the tribal hohos in their respective district planning and development board as to whether they can give free contribution of 30 meters of land to develop the Foothill Road or not.
“We gave them three months time, but no reply has come,” he said. “Therefore, the ultimatum has taken us by surprise. We cannot build road in the air or in the sky,” the CM added. “The land has to be made available so that government can take up the road for the benefit of the people,” Dr Rio said.
