Kohima, May 7: Civil society organisations in Dimapur have expressed support for the proposed redevelopment of the Dimapur Railway Station into a world-class facility while urging authorities to resolve ongoing land disputes to prevent delays in the project.
The assurance was extended during a consultative meeting organised by the Naga Council Dimapur with various CSOs and tribal organisations to discuss the proposed railway modernisation initiative. Representatives at the meeting reiterated that the station should remain in Dimapur and opposed any possibility of relocating it outside the state.
Addressing the gathering, NCD president K G Kenye said the first phase of the redevelopment project involves nearly 7.3 acres of land. However, he noted that ownership disputes linked to 96 patta holders continue to pose a major challenge.
Kenye stated that while land surveys for the first phase have already been completed, 38 patta holders have reportedly moved court, raising concerns that prolonged litigation could slow down the project or jeopardise its implementation. He cautioned that unresolved disputes at the initial stage could significantly affect the broader railway modernisation plan.
According to him, civil society groups are also planning to engage directly with the litigants and appeal for withdrawal of the cases in the larger public interest. He added that the second phase of the project could face even greater complexities, involving 109 additional patta holders as well as issues related to undocumented encroachments.
To address the concerns, the NCD has constituted several committees and sub-committees tasked with holding discussions with landowners, railway authorities, and the state government. The council is also expected to meet non-tribal civil society groups next week to build broader consensus and counter misinformation regarding alleged eviction of religious structures.
Kenye urged the Government of Nagaland to facilitate an amicable and time-bound settlement of all disputes connected to the project area. He further stated that residents and CSOs in Dimapur would extend full cooperation to ensure timely completion of the railway station redevelopment project.
