Nagaland: WSH, NUCF demand vacation of Dimapur Airport land occupied by Assam Rifles

Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) and Nagaland Urban Council Federation (NUCF), in separate press statements, have expressed concern over the continued occupation of Dimapur Airport land by the Assam Rifles and demanded its immediate vacation.
WSH: Western Sümi Hoho expressed “unequivocal objection” at the continued occupation of the land, which it described as “legally belonging” to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) by the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC).
In a press release, WSH noted that records clearly established Dimapur airfield was transferred to civil aviation authorities decades ago and placing the land under AAI’s administrative control.
WSH said despite clear legal records and repeated appeals, the “prolonged and unresolved encroachment” has moved beyond administrative delay by posing a serious impediment to Nagaland’s development.
WSH asserted that the continued refusal of ARTC to vacate the land has no legal basis and cannot be justified in the larger public interest.
It also pointed out that Dimapur Airport was a critical infrastructure and a key driver of economic growth and the ongoing delay in its expansion has restricted air connectivity, weakened tourism and investment prospects. WSH said the delay also denied the people of Nagaland the modernisation they deserved.
It asserted that development of public infrastructure cannot be indefinitely stalled by any institution.
Further, WSH expressed particular concern over demands for compensation for abandoned and unusable structures, especially when alternative rehabilitation arrangements have already been provided.
WSH described such demands as being inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect expected between security forces and civilian authorities.
While acknowledging the vital role of the Assam Rifles in safeguarding the nation, WSH “respectfully” called upon the force to honour established agreements, act responsibly, and immediately facilitate the handover of the occupied land.
It also maintained that doing so would reaffirm their commitment to public welfare and strengthen trust between institutions and the people. Stating that people of Nagaland have waited long enough, WSH said further delay was neither acceptable nor justifiable.
WSH therefore urged all responsible authorities to intervene decisively and ensure prompt clearance of the airport land so expansion work could proceed without obstruction.
NUCF: Nagaland Urban Council Federation (NUCF) including all 36 town councils of Nagaland, has expressed strong resentment and firm opposition to the continued occupation of land by ARTC belonging to AAI.
In a press release, NUCF maintained that the occupied land was lawfully owned by AAI, and described ARTC’s presence as “unauthorized, unjustifiable, and in direct violation of public interest.”
Despite repeated appeals, official communications, and ample time granted for relocation, the federation said ARTC failed to respect the rule of law and the developmental needs of Nagaland.
It also said that prolonged delay has severely hampered the long-pending expansion and modernization of Dimapur Airport-Nagaland’s only civil airport-resulting in economic stagnation, limited connectivity, and missed opportunities for tourism and investment.
NUCF and the 36 town councils reminded that urban local bodies were the constitutional voice of the people at the grassroots level. It said collective will was clear, unanimous, and non-negotiable-public land meant for public infrastructure must be restored immediately.
NUCF has demanded immediate and unconditional vacation of the AAI land by ARTC and also demanded time-bound intervention by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure handover to AAI without excuses or extensions.
Further, NUCF demanded accountability from authorities responsible for the prolonged delay.
NUCF affirmed that any further delay would be viewed as a wilful act against public interest and developmental justice.
NUCF said it along with all 36 town councils, reserved the right to pursue all democratic, legal, and constitutional means to safeguard public assets and ensure vital infrastructure projects were not obstructed.
Affirming that they stood resolute and unwavering in their demand, NUCF and 36 town councils called upon all responsible authorities to act immediately and decisively in the larger interest of the people of Nagaland.