Kohima-Jessami road blockade enters 12th day; landowners demand immediate resolution

DIMAPUR — The ongoing blockade of all National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)-related works along the Kohima-Jessami 2-lane road project, from Sedzu Bridge to Lanye Bridge, has entered its 12th day with no official response from the corporation.

The blockade, enforced by landowners affected by packages 2b to 5 of the highway project, was launched in protest against the alleged lack of compensation for damage to properties. In a statement issued on Monday, the convenor of the aggrieved landowners, Kuveluyi Chuzho, said multiple attempts to seek redress from the NHIDCL had gone unanswered, leaving them with no choice but to escalate their protest.

“The lack of concern exhibited by the NHIDCL towards the welfare of the affected people has only strengthened the resolve of the landowners to continue their protest until a resolution is reached,” read the statement.

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Kohima-Jessami road blockade begins, to continue pending talks

The landowners have demanded immediate compensation for damages caused during road construction and warned that no NHIDCL-related works or vehicles would be allowed to pass through the affected stretches until their demands are addressed.

“The concerned companies are urged to find alternate routes, as no NHIDCL-related vehicles will be allowed to pass through the concerned packages of National Highway 29 from Sedzu Bridge to Lanye Bridge,” it said.

The landowners further reiterated their appeal for the NHIDCL to initiate dialogue and address their grievances, saying the delay in compensation had affected both their lives and livelihoods.