Dimapur, May 23 (EMN): Alleging that illegal encroachments and constructions on land belonging to the railways has doubled during the lockdown period, Railway Contractors’ Union Nagaland (RCUN) has appealed to the district authorities to take due cognisance of such illegal activities and issue necessary advisories to the police authority as well as the village and colony councils, GBs etc., and that stringent action is being initiated against the illegal encroachers as per Public Premises (eviction of unauthorised occupants) Act 1971.
In a representation to the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, the union claimed that such illegal activities have doubled during the lockdown period due to inability of the Railway authorities to remain vigilant to stop such encroachments as there are restrictions imposed under the provisions of the National Disaster Management Act.
It pointed out that under Chapter-VIII A of the Railway Act of 1989, there should be adequate demarcation and distance from all railway property including railway tracks and no encroachment or construction should be done anywhere near the railway properties. It appealed to the district authorities to ensure that no illegal encroachment or construction takes place on government land or property particularly on railway land.
The representation, appended jointly by the union president Niuto Awomi, secretary Mughaho Zhimo, and spokesperson Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, demanded immediate arrest of those who have illegally encroached the railways property in the last few months without any bias.
The union also requested the public to learn to respect and take care of public property including railways property and not to resort to such unmindful and shameful acts of illegal encroachments and constructions thereby putting everyone’s life in jeopardy. It further appealed to the concerned civic bodies, village and colony councils, GBs and public leaders to ensure that such illegal practices are checked for the greater benefit of the public, saying that if the railways develops, the entire state and nation would develop.
