Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (NPN): Representatives of 18 non-Naga communities and civil society organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday extended support for the proposed development of Dimapur Railway Station into a world-class station during a consultative meeting convened by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD).
Addressing the media after the nearly three-hour meeting, NCD president GK Rengma described the discussions as “very positive” and said all communities present welcomed the project, maintaining that Nagaland should take the opportunity to modernise the railway station.
However, Rengma said representatives of the non-Naga communities expressed concern over religious structures, particularly nine temples, located within the proposed project area. According to him, they appealed to the NCD to urge the state government to provide alternative land for relocation of the affected temples. Clarifying the council’s role, Rengma said NCD had no authority to allot land, but assured that it would submit a representation to the government.
He further informed that the non-Nagas had extended full cooperation to NCD and expressed willingness to work together for successful implementation of the project.
On the proposed May 13 meeting with Railway Affected Land Owners Association (RALOA), Rengma said NCD wanted to understand details regarding land pattas, constructions and status of engagement between landowners and the government in order to explore a collective way forward.
He said an invitation had already been issued to RALOA. Rengma added that even if RALOA did not attend, NCD would proceed with submitting a representation to the government, while compensation and arrangements for landowners would be left to the state government to decide.