RALOA urges CSOs not to complicate Dimapur railway station settlement as redevelopment project faces ongoing land disputes
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DIMAPUR — Amid growing public pressure over the proposed world-class redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station, the Railway Affected Landowners Association (RALOA) on Thursday urged civil society organisations to avoid complicating the issue, asserting that negotiations for an amicable settlement are already at an advanced stage.
The statement came in response to recent resolutions adopted by Dimapur-based civil society organisations (CSOs) led by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), which warned that unresolved land disputes and court cases could jeopardise the INR 283-crore railway station modernisation project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
In a rejoinder issued on Thursday, the Railway Affected Landowners Association appreciated the concern shown by the NCD towards construction of the proposed world-class railway station but maintained that the organisation should “restrict their role to a pressure group and not beyond,” cautioning that further intervention could dilute or complicate the matter.
Read more: Race against time: Dimapur CSOs push to save railway project
According to the association, multiple court cases filed earlier by individual landowners and subsequent stay orders had prevented an amicable settlement between the affected parties and the railway authorities, eventually leading to the formation of RALOA.
The association claimed that over the past two years it has been actively pursuing the matter by submitting representations to both central and state authorities and engaging with all departments concerned.
It further stated that the issue was also discussed in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and subsequently forwarded to the Centre for final approval.
Maintaining that the situation on the ground remains peaceful, the RALOA said railway contractors are continuing construction work without any hindrance and asserted that the matter is “at the verge of final settlement.”
The association stated that the legitimate landowners are equally supportive of the proposed world-class station project and appealed to various groups not to disturb the ongoing settlement process with the government.
The controversy comes amid mounting concern over delays in the ambitious railway redevelopment project, which has faced legal disputes involving dozens of land patta holders and encroachment-related issues.
Earlier, the CSOs had warned that any prolonged delay or stay order could risk the project being scaled down, delayed or even shifted away from Dimapur.