Dimapur, July 10 (MExN): For 32 years, the land owners of Kiyetha village under Zunheboto district have lived with the hope that by giving a portion of their cultivable land to be used as a road, the government would bring development. Their wait seems to have gone in vain. With their pleas having fallen on deaf ears, the land owners of Kiyetha village have decided to close the road for public use and start cultivation. No vehicles will be allowed to ply on the mentioned road.
Underlying the reason, Khetovi Aye, on behalf of the land owners of Kiyetha village has brought to the notice of the state Minister for Road & Bridges in the form of an open letter, that the department’s decision to shift the ongoing ‘negotiation project’ from the existing road to a new location is not acceptable. The letter stated that since 1979, the village has been giving a portion of their paddy fields to be used as a road without taking compensation or under any conditions. The land owners have lived with the hope that at some point of time, the existing road would be developed by the department, the letter stated. However, the department has decided to relocate the project meant for development of road and bridges to another site, despite the project having been approved against the old road which cuts through their paddy fields, it alleged.
The land owners claim that their sacrifices have gone waste as the work is already in progress. It also alleged that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The land owners have, therefore, stated that “we have lost hope for further development of road in our paddy field and would no more sacrifice our precious fields for the dying road.” It has decided to close the road stating: “we shall make use of the area covered by road for cultivation for more output from the field. We regret that we shall not allow any vehicle to ply our field since we will be working to develop it for cultivation.”
The letter added that, “we would like to clarify that by turning our land for cultivation, we do not have any ill thoughts against the villagers travelling across our field;’ though categorically stating that it is now up to the department to “find an alternate way” for commuters who will be affected. The current project of bridge construction links Kiyetha village to Khumishi village in Aghunato area. A copy of the letter was also addressed to the 33 A/C MLA, Executive Engineer, Department of Road & Bridges and the joint council, T Island for information.
Underlying the reason, Khetovi Aye, on behalf of the land owners of Kiyetha village has brought to the notice of the state Minister for Road & Bridges in the form of an open letter, that the department’s decision to shift the ongoing ‘negotiation project’ from the existing road to a new location is not acceptable. The letter stated that since 1979, the village has been giving a portion of their paddy fields to be used as a road without taking compensation or under any conditions. The land owners have lived with the hope that at some point of time, the existing road would be developed by the department, the letter stated. However, the department has decided to relocate the project meant for development of road and bridges to another site, despite the project having been approved against the old road which cuts through their paddy fields, it alleged.
The land owners claim that their sacrifices have gone waste as the work is already in progress. It also alleged that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The land owners have, therefore, stated that “we have lost hope for further development of road in our paddy field and would no more sacrifice our precious fields for the dying road.” It has decided to close the road stating: “we shall make use of the area covered by road for cultivation for more output from the field. We regret that we shall not allow any vehicle to ply our field since we will be working to develop it for cultivation.”
The letter added that, “we would like to clarify that by turning our land for cultivation, we do not have any ill thoughts against the villagers travelling across our field;’ though categorically stating that it is now up to the department to “find an alternate way” for commuters who will be affected. The current project of bridge construction links Kiyetha village to Khumishi village in Aghunato area. A copy of the letter was also addressed to the 33 A/C MLA, Executive Engineer, Department of Road & Bridges and the joint council, T Island for information.
