READY IN AIR, STALLED ON GROUND: An aircraft, moments away from touchdown at Dimapur Airport, Nagaland’s only air link. Calls for the release of land required for the long-delayed expansion of the airport have resurfaced in the recent past. (Morung File Photo)
Dimapur, January 16 (MExN): The Nagaland Urban Council Federation (NUCF), representing all 36 Town Councils in the state, on Friday expressed “deep anguish and strong resentment and firm opposition” against the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC) for what it called the continued occupation of land belonging to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Dimapur.
In a statement, the federation asserted that the land is “lawfully owned” by the AAI and the ARTC's presence is “unjustifiable and in direct violation of public interest.” It alleged that despite repeated appeals and official communications, the ARTC has “failed to respect the rule of law and the legitimate developmental needs of the people of Nagaland.”
The NUCF claimed that the “prolonged and deliberate delay” in vacating the AAI land has “severely hampered” the long-pending expansion and modernisation of the Dimapur Airport, the state’s only civil airport. This, it stated, has led “economic stagnation, limited connectivity, compromised emergency services, and missed opportunities for tourism and investment. Such disregard for public welfare is unacceptable.”
Identifying urban local bodies as the “constitutional voice of the people,” the federation said “the collective will of the people is clear, unanimous, and non-negotiable—public land meant for public infrastructure must be restored immediately.”
The NUCF in its statement has reiterated the demand for immediate and unconditional vacating of the AAI land by the ARTC.
It appealed for “time-bound intervention” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, to ensure the handover of the land to AAI without further excuses or extensions.
It also sought accountability from authorities responsible for the prolonged delay.
The federation cautioned that any further delay would be viewed as a “willful act against public interest and developmental justice.” It stated that the federation, along with all 36 Town Councils, “reserves the right to pursue all democratic, legal, and constitutional means to safeguard public assets and ensure that infrastructure projects vital to Nagaland’s future are not obstructed any longer.”
The statement concluded by affirming that the NUCF and all 36 Town Councils stand “united, resolute, and unwavering” in their demand for immediate and decisive action from the concerned authorities “in the larger interest of the people of Nagaland.”
WSH calls for decisive intervention
The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH), in a separate statement has issued a strong condemnation of the Assam Rifles, allegeing its training centre of “illegally occupying” land crucial for the expansion of Dimapur Airport and causing a “serious impediment to the development of Nagaland.”
The body expressed its “deep concern and unequivocal objection” to the continued presence of the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC) on land it asserts legally belongs to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The Hoho stated that historical records clearly show the Dimapur airfield was transferred to civil aviation authorities “decades ago,” making the Assam Rifles' occupation legally untenable.
It argued that this “prolonged and unresolved encroachment” has persisted “despite clear legal records and repeated appeals,” moving beyond an administrative delay to become a major blockade for the state’s progress.
“Dimapur Airport is a critical infrastructure and a key driver of economic growth for the state,” the hoho stated. “The ongoing delay in its expansion has restricted air connectivity, weakened tourism and investment prospects and denied the people of Nagaland the modernization they rightfully deserve.”
It emphasised that “development of public infrastructure cannot be indefinitely stalled by any institution.”
The hoho raised objections to reported demands for compensation by the security force. It expressed particular concern over “demands for compensation for abandoned and unusable structures, especially when alternative rehabilitation arrangements have already been provided.”
“Such demands do not reflect the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect expected between security forces and civilian authorities,” the WSH added.
While acknowledging the “vital role of the Assam Rifles in safeguarding the nation,” the Hoho made an appeal for the force to “honour established agreements, act with responsibility and immediately facilitate the handover of the occupied land.”
“Doing so would reaffirm their commitment to public welfare and strengthen trust between institutions and the people,” it stated.
The body identified the issue as a matter of prolonged public suffering, asserting, “The people of Nagaland have waited long enough. Further delay is neither acceptable nor justifiable.”
It concluded by urging “all concerned authorities to intervene decisively and ensure the prompt clearance of the airport land so that expansion work may proceed without further obstruction.”
