A total blockade of National Highway-29 by aggrieved landowners affected by the Kohima-Jessami 2-Lane Road construction project (Packages 2, 3, 4 & 5) commenced at 6:00 AM on Thursday and proceeded peacefully.
The landowners, demanding overdue damage compensations, have blocked the highway as a mark of protest, stating that the issue has remained unresolved despite repeated appeals. The blockade is set to continue as they await the outcome of a crucial meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner of Phek at 10:30 AM today at the DC’s Conference Hall in Phek. All stakeholders involved in the compensation dispute have been invited to the meeting.
The landowners reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful demonstration and said the continuation of the blockade will depend on the decisions and commitments made at the meeting. They reiterated that their protest is driven solely by the demand for compensation, which they believe is rightfully theirs and long overdue.
In a public appeal, the protesting landowners called for understanding from commuters and urged them to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience along the affected stretch of NH-29.
Expressing gratitude for the public’s support, the landowners thanked all those who have stood by their cause. They emphasized their resolve to pursue justice through dialogue and engagement with the authorities, even as the blockade continues pending satisfactory outcomes from the ongoing negotiations.