A view of the Dimapur railway track. (Morung file Photo)
For relocation of 9 temples
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 12
According to the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), it wishes to have a meeting with the Railway Affected Land Owners’ Association to have a better grasp of the latter’s grievances with regard to the railway land dispute in Dimapur.
NCD President, GK Rengma told media persons on May 12 that it is awaiting a response from the affected landowners to an invitation for a meeting scheduled for May 13. Rengma said that the meeting invitation was forwarded with the sole intention to understand the landowners' position and current approach to the government in connection to the Dimapur railway station modernisation project approved by the Central government. “The Naga Council Dimapur requested this meeting so we can sit together, understand their thoughts and the progress of their situation, and figure out how we can all work together,” he said.
He said that the NCD in consensus with the Dimapur-based civil society organisations will be submitting a representation to the state government keeping in mind the interests of all concerned. While stating that decisions regarding compensation for the deed holders ultimately rest with the government, he added it would be better if all parties approached the government together.
On May 12, the NCD sat with Dimapur-based non-Naga civil society organisations (CSOs). The meeting was also attended by the Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur Naga Students' Union, and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation.
About the day’s meeting, Rengma said that all the CSOs expressed support for the railway station upgrade. “Every community that attended unanimously stated that they support it,” Rengma said.
However, the representatives raised a concern regarding nine temples situated in the affected project area. They requested that the government provide an alternative location for these structures.
While the NCD does not have the authority to allocate alternative land, he said, “We assured them that we will appeal on their behalf; we will submit a representation to the government and inform them that alternative arrangements should be looked into for the temples.”
