‘Where will the Nagas go?’

Facing Rs 283 crore risk, Dimapur CSOs unite to resolve land disputes for world-class railway station

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 7

In an unprecedented show of unity, civil society organisations (CSOs), tribal hoho leaders and community groups in Dimapur have unanimously backed the development of a proposed world-class railway station, while resolving to engage landowners and authorities to address encroachment and legal challenges threatening the project.

The meeting, convened by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) at its office in Dimapur on May 6, brought together presidents of 20 Naga communities along with organisations such as Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), GB Sadar, DNSU, Naga Women Hoho (NWH) and several other CSOs.

“This is the first time all tribal leaders and civil society organisations have come together under one platform. Everyone agreed that we must not let this opportunity go,” NCD President GK Rengma said.

He said the Dimapur railway station has already been granted world-class status, with the first phase of work having begun last year. The phase requires 5.73 acres of land, but 96 pattadars (land deed holders) are currently occupying parts of the area.

“Work is progressing on available vacant land, but unless these 96 pattadars are cleared, even the first phase will face serious problems,” he said, adding that Rs 283 crore has been sanctioned for the initial phase.

Rengma stressed that the project must remain in Dimapur, amid concerns that unresolved land issues could lead to its relocation. “We will not accept shifting even for a moment. If the station goes to Diphu or Bokajan, where will the Nagas go?” he said, noting that Dimapur is already facing congestion and that services like the Jan Shatabdi and Nagaland Express are no longer stationed there.

Highlighting limited infrastructure in Nagaland, he said the state has only an airport and a railway station, and losing such an opportunity would be detrimental for future generations. He recalled that in 2024, airport land was cleared through eviction drives and that the Naga Council, along with CSOs, facilitated the shifting of the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC) after issuing a 30-day deadline.
“Today, when Dimapur is being given a world-class railway station, we must accept it for the future of our younger generation,” he said.

19 religious structures in way
The meeting resolved that the station should not be shifted under any circumstances, with all participating organisations endorsing the stand. Rengma said consultations would now be held with non-tribal CSOs and pattadars, many of whom own land or structures within the project area.

He pointed out that at least 19 temples, mosques and other religious structures fall within the first phase and may need to be removed if the project proceeds. A consultative meeting with non-local CSOs has been scheduled for May 12 to explain the situation and avoid misunderstandings.

Subsequently, the NCD will engage directly with the 96 pattadars occupying land within the 5.73-acre project area. Rengma expressed hope that they would cooperate in the larger public interest.

“They are knowledgeable stakeholders who think for the Nagas. We believe they will understand and support the project,” he said.

Addressing legal challenges, he said 38 of the pattadars have filed court cases, which could halt construction if stay orders are issued. He appealed to them to withdraw the cases. “If a stay order comes, the project will stop. For the future of the Nagas and the younger generation, we must make sacrifices,” he said.

Compensate land or structures
On compensation, Rengma said it was the responsibility of the government, as pattas had been issued by the state. “If land compensation is not possible, then structures must be compensated. The government gave the pattas, so the holders have the right to claim compensation,” he said.

He also attributed the present situation to lapses by both the state government and railway authorities. “The railways established the station during 1903-05 but failed to maintain physical occupation, while the government issued pattas on railway land. Both are at fault,” he said.

Rengma further criticised the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) for not addressing encroachment earlier, saying the issue gained attention only after the project announcement. He added that the second phase would involve a double-line track and affect an additional 109 pattas, besides several encroachments without documentation.

Responding to concerns about illegal constructions continuing despite official orders, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato said CSOs have taken “full responsibility” to facilitate dialogue and resolve the issue.

Committees and sub-committees have been formed under the aegis of the Naga Council to engage landowners, railway authorities and the government. “We will meet all parties and study the ground reality before taking any decision. Today’s meeting was only the first step,” he said.

He emphasised that the initiative aims to benefit all residents of Dimapur. “We are working not only for Nagas but for all Dimapurians—locals and non-locals. We are not here to criticise anyone,” he said.

On enforcement issues, he said cases of unauthorised construction would be taken up with the district administration. “If required, demolition drives may take place after proper notice. We have to examine each case carefully,” he said.

Zakiesato assured transparency, saying developments would be communicated through the media. “We will soon meet leaders, railway officials and stakeholders. A constructive and open discussion has begun,” he added.

Resolutions adopted
Resolutions adopted at the meeting included: submission of representations to the Railway Authority of India and the Government of Nagaland seeking timely completion of the project; urging the state government to amicably resolve land issues at the earliest; holding concerned authorities accountable in case of delay, cancellation or failure due to unresolved land disputes; firmly dealing with anti-social elements or groups attempting to disrupt the project; and extending full support and cooperation by all Dimapur-based CSOs and individuals under the NCD banner to ensure implementation of the project within the stipulated timeline.

Non-tribal CSOs meeting on May 12
The NCD also announced a joint consultative meeting with Dimapur-based non-local CSOs on May 12 at 11:30 am at its office conference hall to deliberate on the railway station upgradation.

Organisations invited include Marwari Samaj, Jain Samaj, Agarwal Samaj, Maheswari Samaj, Bihari Samaj, Bhojpuri Samaj, Bhojpuri Muslim Samaj, Gorkha Union, Indigenous Gorkha, Dimapur Bongs, Linguistic Minority groups, Buddhist Community, Sikh Community, Kerala Samaj, Oriya Samaj, Bengali Samaj, Meitei Council and Muslim Council.