Kohima: The Nagaland Landowners Association, whose lands were to be acquired for construction of railway line from Dimapur-Kohima, has rejected the Union Railway Ministry’s offer of Rs 25 per square feet after a two-hour marathon meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Conference Hall on Monday.
Azheto Zhimomi, Advisor Cooperation and Sericulture informed those at the meeting that included Gaon Burahs 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.
Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara, who was also present in the meeting, 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.
He 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 also 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. (UNI)
