Landowners, whose lands were to be acquired for construction of railway line from Dimapur-Kohima, Monday rejected the union railway ministry’s offer of Rs. 25 per square feet after a two-hour marathon meeting held with Azheto Zhimomi, Advisor Cooperation & Sericulture and other officials at the DC’s conference hall here Monday.
Azheto informed those at the meeting that included GBs and chairmen of affected villages, that chief minister Neiphiu Rio had attempted to seek higher rates with railway officials but that there was no “positive response”. He said state government was doing everything to negotiate with the Centre. He however urged the landowners to be flexible and to reason out together for an acceptable solution instead of being rigid.
State chief secretary Lalthara, who was also present, admitted that had he been one of the landowners, he would have asked for higher rate but pleaded with the landowners to be open to negotiation.
Later, talking to Nagaland Post, Lalthara said union railway ministry had given three route options- first from Dimapur station-Tahekhu-Thilixu-Chumukedima; second via Dimapur station crossing a portion of the Zoological Park and third, a new proposal from Dhansiri station in Assam-Pimla-ARTC- Shoxuvi-New Chumukedima.
He said Monday’s meeting was held with the landowners of Dimapur station-Tahekhu-Thilixu-Chumukedima who were assured of the rate of Rs.60 per square feet by the then DC and the state government. He said the rate offered was however not accepted by the railway ministry which felt that it was “too high” in comparison with other north eastern states.
Lalthara said the state government cannot force the landowners to accept Rs.25 per square feet but would negotiate with the third party at another separate meeting with Azheto MLA and DC Dimapur .
Azheto when asked about his stand over the landowners demand to look after their interest as their lands fall under his constituency, said he could not let personal interest over ride government’s interest.
He further said all lands needed for the railway line did not fall under his constituency and would hold another meeting on Nov. 14 with the landowners under second and third route options.
He said the government would look forward to offer the rate to the landowners of the third route option, since the government of India had refused to accept demand for Rs.60 per square feet. Azheto also asserted that politics would not be a consideration except the larger interests of the state and its people.
The meeting was also attend by secretary transport C.M. Tsanglao, DC Dimapur Hushili Sema, GM NST along with other government officials.