Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): The Railway Contactors Union Nagaland (RCUN) on Friday wrote to Dimapur Deputy Commissioner seeking immediate intervention against “rampant and illegal encroachments and constructions on land belonging to Railways.”
According to the letter addressed to Dimapur DC, the Union stated that rampant and illegal encroachments and constructions on land belonging to the Railways is proving to be a “grave hurdle and unnecessary roadblock” in the development activities of the RCUN as well as the Railway Department.
It said that the Railways serve as an integral mode of communication for which the infrastructure of the existing railway station at Dimapur as well as its periphery and surroundings need to be developed in line with the rest of the country. However, “Such illegal activities have particularly doubled during the lockdown period due to inability of the Railway Authorities to remain vigilant to stop such encroachments as there are restrictions imposed under the provisions of the National Disaster Management Act,” the RCUN said while appealing the district authorities to take due cognizance of the illegal encroachment and construction on Railway land.
It also appealed for necessary advisories to be issued to the Police Authority as well as the Village / Colony Councils / GBs, etc. so that stringent action as per Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act 1971 is initiated against the illegal encroachers. We also demand the immediate arrest and trial of those who have illegally encroached on Railway property in the last few months without any bias whatsoever, the RCUN stated in the letter.
Further, it requested the general public “to learn how to respect and take care of public property including Railway Property and not resort to such unmindful and shameful acts of illegal encroachments and constructions whereby they are putting everyone’s life into jeopardy and peril.” It also made an appeal to concerned civic bodies, village/colony councils, GBs and public leaders to ensure that such illegal practices are checked for the greater benefit of the public.
