Nagaland town councils demand Assam Rifles vacate AAI land for Dimapur airport expansion

Guwahati: The Nagaland Urban Council Federation (NUCF), representing all 36 Town Councils in the state, has strongly condemned the continued occupation of Airport Authority of India (AAI) land by the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC).

The federation demanded the immediate and unconditional handover of the land to enable the long-delayed expansion of Dimapur Airport.

In an official statement, the NUCF stressed that the land rightfully belongs to the AAI, and the ongoing presence of the ARTC constitutes unauthorised occupation.

The federation described the situation as a clear violation of the law and an obstacle to public interest, expressing deep concern over repeated neglect of communications and appeals requesting relocation of the training centre.

The prolonged occupation has, according to the NUCF, severely impacted the development and modernisation of Dimapur Airport, Nagaland’s only civil airport.

The federation highlighted that the stalled project has restricted air connectivity, hindered economic growth, compromised emergency response capabilities, and limited opportunities for tourism and investment in the state.

Stressing the role of urban local bodies as the voice of the people at the grassroots level, the federation said the collective demand is “clear, unanimous and non-negotiable.” It asserted that public land earmarked for essential infrastructure must be returned without further delay.

The federation, with all 36 town councils, called on the Assam Rifles Training Centre to vacate the land under the control of the AAI without delay.

They urged both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to step in and ensure the property is handed back promptly. Officials responsible for the prolonged occupation, which has hindered Nagaland’s development, should also be held responsible, the urban bodies said.

The NUCF cautioned that further postponement would be viewed as a setback to public welfare and the state’s progress. It made clear that it is ready to explore all lawful and constitutional avenues to safeguard public property and prevent obstacles to key infrastructure initiatives.

Highlighting their unity, the federation affirmed that all 36 town councils are aligned on the issue and pressed the authorities to act quickly in the interest of the people of Nagaland.