Dimapur, July 17 (EMN): Six villages in Dimapur district today served an ultimatum to the government demanding uniform rates in the payment of land compensation for an ongoing rail project in the state. The villages’ authorities have given the government 15 days starting from August 1 to address said grievance, or else face complete obstruction of work.
A press statement from the GBs and chairmen of Dhansiripar, Pimla, Zutovi, Khemnok, Razaphe Basa and Sokhuvi today stated: despite representation to the government justifying the review of the rates that were paid there was no response even after a month.
"The rate of compensation applied to the villages was Rs.28.75 per square feet against Rs.60/- per square feet in Chumukedima area which was discriminatory despite the major portion of the land acquired were paddy fields. The cabinet decision to give Rs.60/¬per square feet in Chumukedima area up to 18.400 km covers those lands of the six villages in question," it stated.
The landowners of the six villages have therefore given the government time of 15 days starting August 1 to, "Expedite necessary action for review of the discrepancy in the rates".
"Failing which the landowners had decided to impose complete stoppage of the work till the matter is resolved and deliver justice once and for all. Any untoward incidents arising out of the stoppage of the work would be the responsibility of the Government," it further stated.
