Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has indicated that the Centre could be compelled to provide Nagaland with a new airport if land required for the expansion of Dimapur Airport continues to remain under the occupation of the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC).
Speaking to reporters following a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting held in Chümoukedima, Rio said the state government was considering taking up the matter with the relevant central ministries, as the ARTC has not vacated the 18.9 acres of land identified for the first phase of airport expansion, despite an earlier deadline.
Rio said the issue was deliberated during the PAC meeting. He said that failure to relocate the ARTC would place the onus on the Centre to make alternative arrangements for the state’s aviation infrastructure.
“We will take up the matter with the ministry. If it is not vacated, then they will have to provide a new airport for Nagaland,” Rio said.
On a separate matter, responding to questions on the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) relating to alleged financial irregularities and substandard construction of the New High Court complex in Kohima, Minister for Roads and Bridges Kaito Aye said the legal process was underway and that the facts would become clearer as proceedings progress.