CSOs warn against relocation; to pursue resolving land issue
Dimapur-based civil society organisations (CSOs) have strongly reiterated their backing for the proposed world-class Dimapur Railway Station project, rejecting any move to shift it elsewhere.
The decision was among several other resolutions adopted during a joint consultative meeting convened by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on Wednesday at NCD conference hall, Dimapur.
The meeting was attended by tribal hohos representing 20 Naga tribes, along with the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation, GB Union Dimapur Sadar, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union and Naga Women Hoho Dimapur.
It may be recalled that Nagaland Post has consistently highlighted the deplorable condition of Dimapur Railway Station and the continued neglect by NFR.
Later addressing media, NCD president GK Rengma described the meeting as “historic,” noting that five resolutions were adopted in support of the project. He stressed that the development of the railway station must proceed without delay and under no circumstances be relocated.
Rengma informed that the first phase of the project, requiring 5.73 acres of land and sanctioned at Rs 283 crore, is already underway.
However, he acknowledged that the presence of 96 patta holders within the project site remains a major challenge.
Construction has begun on available land, but he warned that clearance of occupied areas is crucial to avoid delays or the risk of shifting the project.
Highlighting the importance of the project, Rengma said Dimapur could not afford to lose such a significant infrastructure opportunity, especially when Nagaland needs improved connectivity and modern facilities. He expressed concern that unresolved land issues could affect railway services and jeopardize the project’s future.
To address these challenges, NCD, in consultation with CSOs, will initiate meetings with non-tribal organisations and patta holders, including owners of land and religious structures within the project area. Rengma said the consultations aim to ensure transparency, avoid misunderstandings, and secure cooperation from all stakeholders.
He further emphasized that compensation for land and structures should be provided by the government, since pattas were issued by the state. Responding to queries, he said both the state government and railway authorities share responsibility in resolving the land issue. He also disclosed that 38 patta holders have filed court cases, appealing to them to withdraw in the larger public interest, warning that prolonged litigation could hamper progress.
Reiterating the collective stand, Rengma asserted that NCD, supported by tribal hohos and CSOs, would firmly oppose any attempt to shift the project outside Dimapur.
Meanwhile, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato said the meeting authorised NCD to coordinate with all stakeholders through a consultative process, assuring that due procedure would be followed and the public kept informed. NCD has also scheduled a meeting with non-local CSOs on May 12 at its conference hall to further deliberate on the project.
Resolution adopted
- Resolved to submit a representation to the Railway Authority of India and the Government of Nagaland, that the on-going construction project of World Class Dimapur Railway Station be completed within the scheduled period of time as approved.
- Resolved to submit a representation to the Government of Nagaland to resolve amicably the land issues within the Dimapur Railway Station Construction Project Area with those individuals as early as possible, so as to expedite the project smoothly without obstacles.
- Resolved that in the event of failure or cancellation or delaying the on-going project on the ground of unresolved land issues, the concerned authority under the Government of the day and the Railway Authority of India shall be held responsible.
- Resolved to firmly deal with any anti-social elements, individual self interest groups/unions,who disrupt or disturb the on-going project.
- Resolved that all the Dimapur based Civil Society Organization (CSOs) and individuals will extend full support and cooperation under the banner of Naga Council Dimapur(NCD), to ensure that the on-going modernization of Dimapur Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme be implemented and completed as per the deadline of the project.
Joint meet with non-Naga CSOs
Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has convened a joint consultative meeting of Dimapur-based non-Naga civil society organisations on May 12 at 11:30 am at NCD office conference hall, to deliberate over the up gradation of Dimapur Railway Station to World Class Station.
Therefore, NCD has requested the following CSO president and secretary to attend the meeting without fail: Marwari Samaj; Jain Samaj; Agarwal Samaj; Maheswari Samaj; Bihari Samaj; Bhojpuri Samaj; Bhojpuri Muslim Samaj; Gorkha Union; Indigenous Gorkha; Dimapur Bongs; Linguistic Minority; Buddhist Community; Sikh Community; Kerela Samaj; Oriya Samaj; Bengali Samaj; Meitei Council and Muslim Council.