Nagaland: RALOA asks NCD to limit role in Dimapur railway station land issue

May 8, 2026 5 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 8

Amid growing public debate over land disputes linked to the proposed world-class railway station at Dimapur, the Railway Affected Landowners Association (RALOA) on Wednesday issued a rejoinder to the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), urging the latter to confine its involvement to that of a “pressure group” and avoid actions that could further complicate the matter.

In a press release, RALOA said while it appreciated the concern shown by NCD towards the railway station project, any intervention beyond advocacy could dilute efforts towards an early resolution.
According to the association, the issue is already at an advanced stage of settlement with the government.

Providing the background, RALOA stated that the dispute arose after individual landowners filed multiple court cases over land ownership and compensation concerns, resulting in stay orders that stalled the possibility of an amicable settlement between the affected pattadars and the Railways.

The association said these developments led to the formation of RALOA, which has since been pursuing the matter for the past two years.

During this period, it said, delegations had submitted representations to both State and Central authorities, and the matter was also raised in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly before being forwarded to the Centre for final approval.

In the meantime, RALOA claimed that railway contractors continue to carry out work at the site without hindrance.

The rejoinder came a day after the NCD convened a joint meeting of Dimapur-based civil society organisations, tribal hohos and community bodies, where participants unanimously backed the world-class railway station project and resolved to facilitate dialogue with landowners and other stakeholders to address legal and encroachment issues.

At the meeting, NCD President GK Rengma had stated that 96 pattadars currently occupy portions of the 5.73-acre land required for the first phase of the project, for which Rs 283 crore has reportedly been sanctioned.

He had also expressed concern that unresolved disputes or court-imposed stay orders could delay construction or even risk relocation of the project outside Nagaland.

Responding to this, RALOA asserted that the matter is being pursued by “legitimate landowners” who are equally committed to the development of the proposed world-class station.

It further claimed that the issue is now nearing final settlement and appealed for the association to be allowed to conclude negotiations with the government “without further disturbance from different quarters.”