Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Civil society organisations in Dimapur, serving as Nagaland's commercial hub, have officially voiced their support for the ambitious plan to redevelop the Dimapur Railway Station into a world-class facility. During a consultative meeting hosted by the Naga Council Dimapur, various tribal bodies and local organisations firmly rejected any proposals to move the station outside of the city, emphasizing its strategic importance.
Naga Council Dimapur president K G Kenye highlighted that while the project's first phase encompasses 7.3 acres, unresolved land ownership claims remain a significant hurdle. Currently, 38 out of 96 patta holders have initiated legal proceedings, sparking concerns that lengthy court battles could delay development or force the project to relocate elsewhere. To mitigate these risks, the council plans to engage directly with litigants to encourage an amicable withdrawal of cases in the broader public interest.
Looking ahead, the project faces additional challenges in its second phase, which involves 109 patta holders and concerns regarding undocumented encroachments. To manage these complexities, the council has formed several sub-committees to facilitate dialogue between landowners, the state government, and railway officials. Furthermore, organizers intend to meet with non-tribal civil society groups next week to build a stronger consensus and address concerns regarding the status of religious structures within the area.
The council has appealed to the Nagaland government to intervene and ensure a time-bound settlement of land issues. By fostering this cooperation, local leadership aims to keep the modernisation project on schedule and demonstrate that the community is fully committed to the facility's successful completion.
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