Rail project: Zeliang appeals landowners to be ‘generous’

Dimapur, Sep. 23 (EMN):  Chief Minister TR Zeliang today appealed to the land owners where the Dimapur-Kohima railway track is presently under construction not to disrupt the works because of the land compensation issue.

A press release from the chief minister’s office on Saturday stated that demanding unreasonable amount of land compensation and creating of problem on the ongoing railway track construction will defeat the very purpose of development in the long run.

“Chief Minister was responding to memorandum submitted by six villages – Sokhuvi, Razaphe Basa, Pimla, Zutovi, Khemnok and Dhansariphar (sic) – for review of the rate land compensation paid to the six villages during the inaugural function of Mhaikam village gate and rostrum today. Chief minister was of the view that mega development project such as railway will bring more benefits to the people in long run over land compensation and urged the six villages to be generous enough to part their land for the said railway project which was the long felt need of the state.

“He, however, assured the six villages that he will take up matter with Indian Railway authority for redressal (sic) of their grievances. It may be mentioned that the ongoing railway track construction was put to halt by the said six villages because of the land compensation issue.”

He was reported as making these statements at Mhaikam village. “Chief minister also said with the ongoing construction of railway project, slaughter house and proposed highway, the area has immense scope for future growth and progress.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports, Khekaho Assumi, was also reported as appealing the people of the area to maintain peace and harmony. “He said that people should keep aside the past misunderstanding and look forward for progress”, it stated.