Dimapur, January 10 (MExN): The Business Association of Nagaland (BAN) has submitted a representation to the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, calling for urgent intervention to vacate the “temporary occupation” of Dimapur Airport land by the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC).
In the representation, BAN President L Mongkum Jamir highlighted the “critical and protracted stagnation” of Dimapur Airport, one of the oldest in the Northeast, attributing it primarily to the long-standing occupation of 148 acres by the ARTC and another 14 acres by the CRPF. “The airport’s potential as a vital economic engine for Nagaland is being systematically strangled,” alleged BAN.
It said that Dimapur Airport has suffered from neglect for decades, with private encroachments and the ARTC’s temporary occupation. While terming the recent eviction of private encroachers undertaken with the support of civil society as “a commendable step towards upholding the rule of law,” the association pointed out the contrast that the continued occupation by a government entity establishes a “damaging double standard that undermines public trust.”
“Infrastructure development cannot have two sets of rules, one for private citizens and another for government entities,” Jamir wrote, arguing that any entity blocking a project of “critical national and regional importance” must be dealt with firmly to uphold principles of equity and national interest.
BAN pointed out that the Government of Nagaland has already allotted an alternative site at Shokhuvi in Chümoukedima for the ARTC’s relocation. However, it alleged that “delays in this process and overvaluation & manipulation that may have been used to justify prolonged occupation have made the ARTC the primary hindrance to progress.”
The business body detailed the adverse impact of this occupation, stating it blocks runway extensions and terminal upgrades, which are essential for accommodating larger aircraft and increasing passenger capacity. “Such occupations disrupt airport master planning, compromise safety buffers and delay compliance with DGCA standards.”
This, it claimed, resulted in operational inefficiencies, including limited flight schedules and reduced connectivity, hindering cargo facilities, directly affecting tourism, trade, and emergency response capabilities in Nagaland.
The adverse effects of these issues extend far beyond the airport itself, stifling Nagaland's overall economic potential. With limited alternatives in Nagaland for transportation such as poor roadways, waterways, and sparse rail links, the airport is a cornerstone for regional connectivity, BAN added.
“The current constraints have led to a stagnation in these areas, exacerbating unemployment among Nagaland’s lakhs of educated youth,” the representation cautioned. It further added that the “continued blockage of their primary economic artery is fostering deep frustration and a sense of injustice.”
The letter implored the MHA to direct the ARTC to vacate the occupied land and complete its relocation to Shokhuvi, treating it as a “critical infrastructure security issue.”
“Failure to act decisively risks invoking public ire and unrest, as the people of Nagaland cannot afford further delays in their pursuit of development and economic liberation,” Jamir stated, adding that “Nagaland must not be taken for granted, especially when such issues have long-term repercussions by depriving future generations of opportunities.”
BAN expressed trust that the MHA would give the matter priority and initiate “decisive action” to resolve it promptly, “thereby preventing any potential escalation.”
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