Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio calls for settlement of Dimapur railway station land dispute

Dimapur: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday stressed the need for an amicable settlement of land issues surrounding the historic Dimapur railway station, emphasising that the state cannot afford to lose the opportunity to develop and expand the crucial rail hub.

Participating in the discussion on the status of modernisation of Dimapur railway station on the third day of the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Assembly, Rio said the station, inaugurated in 1903, is over 120 years old and predates the formation of Nagaland as a state in 1963.

At that time, he noted, certain constitutional provisions relating to land ownership in the state did not exist, and railway authorities had occupied and measured the land for railway purposes long before the state came into being.

Rio observed that over the years, while railway authorities remained largely silent, encroachments gradually increased. He also noted that administrative authorities had regularised some of these encroachments over time, which has further complicated the present situation.

He stressed that constructive dialogue between the state government and Indian Railways is necessary to find an amicable solution, particularly regarding compensation or other arrangements for landowners.

However, he cautioned that compensation demands should not be at excessively high rates.

While railway expansion projects toward Kohima and other areas are underway, Rio said those stations would be comparatively smaller and Dimapur would continue to serve as the main railway station for the state.

Initiating the discussion, MLA Nuklutoshi said there had been negligence from various stakeholders and questioned why the Northeast Frontier Railway remained silent for many years without lodging any complaint when illegal constructions were coming up on railway land.

He said three possible options remain at present - payment of compensation for resettlement of the settlers, forceful eviction, or shifting the railway station to a new location.

Replying to the discussion, health & family welfare minister P Pawang Konyak said the central government has allocated Rs 283 crore for modernisation of the railway station.

He said the station remains the second-highest revenue-earning railway station in the Northeast region.

Konyak further said both the department concerned and the landowners had written to the railways ministry seeking compensation, and they are currently awaiting a response from the ministry.