The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) has expressed serious concern over what it described as the “prolonged illegal occupation of land belonging to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) by the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC),” calling for urgent action to resolve the issue.
In a press release issued on January 14, the CPO stated that it is in possession of authenticated formally handed over by the Indian Air Force to the then National Airports Authority in 1987. The authority later became the Airport Authority of India. According to the organization, the handover was duly executed and signed by Squadron Leader BS Bamra on behalf of the Indian Air Force, thereby establishing AAI’s administrative ownership of the land.
The CPO stated that, despite repeated requests, the ARTC continues to occupy land that was legally transferred to the AAl as far back as 1987.
The organization said the continued occupation has emerged as the “primary bottleneck” preventing the long-pending expansion of Dimapur Airport, which is Nagaland’s only commercial airport.
The CPO maintained that the delay in expansion has directly affected economic growth, tourism, and the development of modern infrastructure in the state.
Taking a critical view of the situation, the organization referred to the Assam Rifles’ motto, “Friends of the Hill People,” and said that actions on the ground narrate a different story. “True friendship is marked by respect for the rights and progress of the people,” it added.
The CPO said that, by clinging to land that is not theirs and demanding a staggering Rs 16 crore in compensation for “ghost buildings” that are currently abandoned and decaying, the ARTC has proven that their commitment to the Naga people is merely a slogan.
“Their refusal to vacate, even after being provided with alternative rehabilitation land in Sukhovi and Diphu, is a blatant act of bad faith and a direct hindrance to the state’s development,” the CPO stated.
In its appeal, the organization urged the Assam Rifles to consider the larger public interest and facilitate the early vacation of the land, enabling the Airport Authority of India to undertake the much-needed expansion of Dimapur Airport on a priority basis.
The CPO said it hopes the appeal will be received “in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect in keeping with the long-standing relationship between security forces and the people.” It added that continued inaction on the matter could be perceived as a disregard for the collective aspirations and legitimate concerns of the public.