DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): The Chakhroma GBs Union (CGBU) today expressed concern at the ongoing 4 lane road works between Purana bazaar and Chümoukedima being hampered by “some people claiming compensation.”
“The CGBU has been closely observing the works and it has come to the knowledge of the union that certain undesired elements are cropping up from time to time to create unnecessary hindrance to the ongoing work,” a press release from CGBU President, Thepfukedo Kuotsu and General Secretary, Atso Gwizan said.
“The present Highway falls within the Chakhroma traditional land and when the highway was built, no compensation whatsoever was demanded but given freely for development of our land. Moreover, provisions of 75 ft on both sides from the middle of the highway was also kept reserved for future developments, but with increase of settlers in the area people had started encroaching the highway who are now asking for compensation claiming to be land owners,” the union said.
It stated that therefore “no individual or union will be allowed to disturb the development work of the region claiming to be the land owner as there is no other land owner except the traditional land owners who had freely given our land to the government as it is not our custom to block roadways and waterways from passing our land.”
The union further claimed that the “later settlers who are now demanding compensation had encroached upon the portions of land already been given to government,” and concluded that “there is no question of paying compensation to the encroachers of reserved land.”
The CGBU meanwhile endorsed the May 7, 2019 resolution which was adopted during a meeting of the Chümoukedima Area GBs and Village Council Chairmen with the EAC Chümoukedima.
“When such a hard earned development project is coming to our land, we cannot allow few self centred individuals forming a union, to snatch away this opportunity. This opportunity, if once missed, will never come back to us. So every right thinking Naga should support the timely and satisfactory completion of the work,” it stated.
The CGBU also appealed to the public to report to the authority if they feel that proper specifications are not being followed and get expert opinion before taking the matter in their own hands.
It meanwhile appreciated the four villages of Purana Bazaar, Padumpukhri, Naharbari and Darogapathar for their public declaration “not to claim nor allow any individuals or unions to claim land compensation within their jurisdiction.”
