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DIMAPUR — The Sümi Hoho and the Sümi Kükami Hoho have issued an urgent appeal to the Nagaland government to resolve a long-standing land compensation dispute concerning the District Hospital Zunheboto, warning that the hospital faces potential closure if the matter is not addressed promptly.
In a representation to the chief minister on Tuesday, the organisations stated that the hospital, which has been serving the community for nearly six decades, stands on land for which the owners have yet to receive adequate compensation from the state government.
“For a considerable period, the landowners have been seeking appropriate compensation from the state government, an issue that remains unresolved despite multiple appeals. Various reasons have been cited for the delay in addressing this legitimate claim”, it said.
While the SümiHoho, along with other civil society organisations, has made several attempts to mediate between the concerned department and the landowners, the issue remains unresolved.
Stating that the landowners have been expressing their willingness to sell the land outright to the department, the organisations concurred that an outright purchase would not only expedite the development of the hospital and its facilities but would also ensure that the public continues to receive enhanced healthcare services.
“However, the landowners are now submitting a representation to the department, resolving to close the hospital if their long-pending demand for compensation is not met within a stipulated time frame. If the hospital is closed, it will deprive the people of Zunheboto of critical health services”, it said.
To avoid such an unpleasant situation, the organisations urged the chief minister to consider the matter with priority and facilitate a fair and timely resolution.
It also emphasised that the landowners’ request for compensation is in line with the rate recommended by the competent authority, making their claim both “reasonable and justifiable.”
“Addressing this issue promptly would prevent any disruption in the provision of health services to the people of Zunheboto and the surrounding areas”, it added.