DIMAPUR, AUGUST 30 (MExN): The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has responded to Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang’s recent remarks in the Assembly regarding the delay of the Capital Bypass road via Zhadima, which he attributed to land disputes in Niuland.
In a rejoinder, WSH asserted that Zeliang's statement inaccurately represented the situation. While the Deputy CM mentioned that three villages under Niuland were demanding compensation, WSH clarified that only two villages had raised such claims. It also highlighted that with the intervention of WSH, the matter was amicably resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Terming the Deputy CM’s claim that the land dispute is the reason for the delay as misleading and does not align with the actual facts, the WSH said an agreement was reached, wherein landowners agreed to withdraw their claims for compensations. This agreement was reached after a series of meetings and negotiations involving WSH.
It, however, pointed out that despite this resolution, the project remains stalled, and the Deputy CM’s comments do not reflect the advancements made in resolving the land dispute.
Towards this, the WSH has urged the Deputy CM to amend his statement to accurately reflect the efforts and agreements reached.
“We look forward to a prompt resolution of the remaining issues, enabling project works to resume and timely completion of the Capital Bypass road. This will ease the hardship of commuters plying between Dimapur and Kohima, particularly during the monsoon season, and foster greater collaboration and trust between the government and local communities,” it added.
