Landowners Union Rangapahar Crossing (LURC) Dimapur has termed as “provocative” the statement of Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) general manager Anshul Gupta that NFR would enforce eviction as per Supreme Court’s December 2021 order.
LURC president Hetokhu Awomi stated that the land, allegedly measuring 134.503 acres stretching over 5km, was presently under railway occupation. However, the union said that the legitimacy cannot be established “owing to lack of adequate documents.”
Further, LURC said that Dimapur Railway land did not fall under general category as the State of Nagaland was created through political negotiation wherein Article 371 (A) was incorporated in the constitution so as to safeguard the Naga identity and properties.
The union said that even today the negotiation between the government of India and the Nagas was under process basing on ‘uniqueness of Naga history’. Questioning on what basis the Railways would enforce eviction, the LURC said that the NFR has once again displayed its lackadaisical attitude towards finding genuine and pragmatic solution to the long pending problem facing Dimapur railways. It said that the NFR general manager’s statement “lacks empathy; rather provocative and suppressive in nature.”
However, in order to create conducive atmosphere for the Railways to carry out further development activities, the union said it “steadfastly resolved” to extend its support on the condition that the Railways respect Art 371(A) in letter and spirit.
The union also urged the railways to facilitate the payment of land compensation or relocation of the genuine and rightful landowners.
Failing which, the union cautioned that the Northeast Frontier Railways and its officials would be held solely responsible for the diversion of the development of Dimapur railway station.
