Kohima–Jessami Road Project: Landowners threaten blockade over pending compensation

Aggrieved landowners along the Kohima–Jessami two-lane road under Phek district have issued a stern warning to the administration, threatening a total blockade of the national highway if their pending land compensation is not released by July 15, 2025.

In a formal intimidation notice addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Phek, the landowners urged the DC to “immediately write to the concerned authorities” and ensure that the long-overdue compensation is disbursed without further delay. The compensation pertains to land damages caused during the construction of the Kohima–Jessami two-lane road, specifically under Packages 2, 3, 4, and 5.

“Despite repeated appeals and reminders from affected individuals, there has been no concrete step taken by the administration or the executing agencies to disburse the rightful compensation to the landowners whose land was acquired for the national project,” stated Kuveluyi Chuzho, Convenor of the aggrieved landowners group, in the notice.

The notice further warned that “if the compensation is not released on or before the 15th of July 2025, [the landowners] shall be compelled to resort to a total blockade of the Kohima–Jessami National Highway as a mark of protest.”

Calling the situation “unfortunate but inevitable,” Chuzho blamed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the local administration for failing to act on legitimate grievances despite “ample opportunity.” The group held the authorities accountable for any disruption caused by the proposed blockade.

“We once again urge the Deputy Commissioner, Phek, to act swiftly and ensure that the due compensation is released immediately to avert the proposed agitation,” the notice added.

MT