Guwahati: Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Dimapur have backed the proposed redevelopment of the Dimapur Railway Station into a world-class railway facility, while calling for an early resolution of the land disputes linked to the project.
The support was expressed during a consultative meeting organised by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) with several CSOs and tribal organisations. Participants at the meeting strongly opposed any move to relocate the railway station outside Dimapur and reaffirmed their commitment to the redevelopment initiative.
Speaking at the meeting, NCD president K G Kenye said the first phase of the project requires around 7.3 acres of land, but unresolved disputes involving 96 patta holders continue to pose a challenge. He noted that while land surveys for the first phase have already been completed, 38 patta holders have reportedly moved court, raising concerns that prolonged litigation could delay the project or force its relocation outside Nagaland.
Kenye cautioned that unless the disputes are settled quickly, the railway modernisation project could face serious setbacks at an early stage.
He said CSOs are planning to engage directly with the litigants and request them to withdraw their cases in the larger public interest. He also pointed out that the second phase of the project may face greater challenges, as it involves 109 additional patta holders along with issues related to undocumented encroachments.
To tackle the matter, the NCD has formed several committees and sub-committees to hold discussions with landowners, railway officials and the state government.
The council is also expected to meet non-tribal CSOs next week to build broader public consensus and counter misinformation regarding the alleged eviction of religious structures from the project site.
Kenye urged the Government of Nagaland to ensure a peaceful and time-bound resolution of the land disputes so that the redevelopment project can proceed smoothly.
He added that residents and CSOs in Dimapur would fully cooperate to ensure the railway station modernisation project is completed within the scheduled timeline.