Allegation of non-payment of land compensation by NHAI
JOWAI: Alleging that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has started construction work for widening and redevelopment of the National Highway 44 from Soomer in West Jaintia Hills to Malidor in East Jaintia Hills, the Dorbar Shnong of Wapungskur village in East Jaintia Hills has threatened to stall the project in the village unless land compensation was paid to them.
“Construction work has started from Shohshrieh village bordering East and West Jaintia Hills and if the implementing agency or the NHAI fails to pay the land compensation immediately we will not allow the construction work when the project reaches our village,” said Satly S Ryngkhlem, headman of Wapungskur village, in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the East Jaintia National Council has also raised its voice against non-payment of land compensation to the land owners by the NHAI for the land acquired for widening of NH 44 from Jowai to Malidor.
In this regard, the pressure group has submitted a representation to the East Jaintia Hills deputy commissioner, demanding immediate payment of land compensation and asking the NHAI not to start the construction work prior to the payment.
At the same time, the pressure group has urged the East Jaintia Hills district administration to prevent the NHAI from initiating construction unless the compensation is paid to the land owners.
