Chümoukedima, April 25 (MExN): Over 146 landowners affected by the widening of National Highway-29 between Purana Bazaar and Chümoukedima have raised serious objections to the 2023 land survey, alleging glaring discrepancies in measurement and compensation assessment, and have called a joint meeting on May 2 to decide on a collective course of action.
The aggrieved landowners, under the NH-29 Aggrieved Land Owners’ Union, said that out of 280 total landowners, 134 have been placed in the “approved” category on the basis that their land measurements found to be less than the actual patta, while 146 have been arbitrarily placed in the “rejected” category on the grounds that their land measurements recorded as tallying with or exceeding the patta.
“This classification,” according to the union has raised serious concerns among the affected parties. It has been observed that, despite being similarly situated, some landowners have been approved while others have been rejected, indicating a lack of uniformity and consistency in the assessment process.
Further, it highlighted significant discrepancies in the 2023 survey report, claiming that several plots that are similarly situated, facing the highway and having comparable dimensions, “have been inconsistently classified as “Less,” “Excess,” or “Tallied,” without any clear or transparent basis.”
The Union alleged, in cases where the actual shortfall is minimal, often less than 200 sq. ft, the survey records reflect “disproportionately higher deficits.” In one such instance, a deficit of 2,82,775 sq ft has been recorded, with the corresponding compensation amount calculated at Rs 70,69,37,500 (at Rs 2,500 per sq. ft, as per the demand of the Land Owners’ Union), it explained.
According to the Union, compensation has reportedly been recommended only for plots marked “Less,” even as similar encroachments affect plots in other categories.
Questions have also been raised over compensation is being determined based on the land directly facing the highway or land situated behind it, as well as the apparent inconsistencies in survey methods.
The Union said the affected landowners had already endured a wait of over six years, only to face rejection or unresolved status on their claims. The Union is demanding a comprehensive re-verification and fresh survey to ensure uniformity, transparency and justice for all parties.
May 2 meeting set
All aggrieved landowners, particularly those in the rejected category, have been urged to attend the meeting scheduled for May 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Hotel Saramati Conference Hall. The meeting aims to consolidate grievances and determine coordinated representation before appropriate authorities. “This notice is issued in the interest of ensuring fairness and safeguarding the rights of all affected parties,” it added.
The press release was issued by K Samuel, Convener, NH - 29 Aggrieved Land Owners' Union, 7th Mile, District Chümoukedima and R Kheto R Zhimomi, Secretary, 3rd Mile, Thilixu Village, District Chümoukedima.
