NTC calls for urgent overhaul of airport, rail infra

Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has urged upon the state government under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio to act decisively in the best interests of the people of the state, for enabling expansion of the state’s only airport and redevelopment of the railway station, both at Dimapur.
In this regard, NTC president C. Pankathung Lotha and general secretary C. Onen Walling, expressed appreciation and also applauded the state government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio for the “right decision to evict the land encroachers” at Dimapur airport even though it was belated due to administrative lapses and legal hurdles. NTC said the action was “indeed a welcome step” to provide much needed facelift and upgradation of facilities at the state’s only airport.
NTC reminded that Dimapur airport came into existence way back in the early 1960s when Nagaland became a state having no passenger amenities for over 60 years due to land encroachment issues.
It called upon both the state government and the Naga public to ponder over what went wrong over the decades when the state, with all required apparatus such as civil administration, police force and a legal system – was unable to resolve the land issue and as a result of which passengers are suffering till date.
On the other hand, NTC noted that other northeastern states, who attained statehood much after Nagaland, have progressed in all development spheres for the welfare of their people, while Nagas remain far behind.
NTC said this is all the more reason why Nagaland has to catch up with the other states, by all means in spheres of development the people irrespective of the hurdles against development through objections or criticisms from all quarters be it individuals or groups.
In this regard, NTC said it was expected also of the state government to set aside all such hurdles without ceding any undue advantages by giving importance to development projects for the state.
In this aspect, NTC noted that development in Nagaland pales in comparison with all other states with respect to road, waterways, air or rail connectivity, which hinder growth.
Nagaland’s main air (airport) and rail connectivity (railway) are both located at Dimapur but have been languishing without proper attention and maintenance. In particular, NTC pointed out that despite 63 years of statehood, the railway station at Dimapur remained the same with outdated and dilapidated facilities established during the British era and on the cusp of completing 100 years of existence.
NTC said land encroachment issue at Dimapur railway station acted as hindrance for expansion and redevelopment and that this is not the only project hindered due to land encroachment issue.
It said if the state government including the Northeastern Frontier Railways have political will and determination, then such issues could be easily resolved on the basis of rule of law and justice and keeping in mind the priority of public interest and welfare.
NTC also stated that the land encroachment is aided and abetted by some departments which has made the encroachers “bold and arrogant.”
NTC reminded that it was high time that the state government and public “take cognizance of what is right, just and progressive for modernization of Nagaland and that the primary step was to “do away with our negative and individualistic mindset.”
Further, NTC reminded that the redevelopment project for Dimapur railways station has been approved with sufficient funds from the Centre. It said that the state government and NFR are both responsible to ensure that the project is executed to transform the railway station into a world-class station and it remained to be seen as to who would be held responsible if it fails to materialise.
Reminding the phrase the “God helps those who help themselves” NTC maintained that the Nagas and their state government are responsible for all-round development and progress in a global era where conquest of outer space as tourist destination is a reality. In such environment, NTC asked if any sensible person would accept the argument or narrative that “land encroachment issue is too big of hard to solve?”
NTC said this is the second time that it has stated its position for better awareness and better understanding of the “century-old problem” and therefore, it was high time that Nagas refrain from petty politics and instead deliver service to public if the state government exists for the welfare and interest of its people.