Landowners affected by the Kohima-Jessami road project in Phek district have announced a total blockade starting July 17 due to delayed compensation payments by NHIDCL.
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KOHIMA — Aggrieved landowners affected by the construction of the of the Kohima–Jessami two-lane road under Phek District have announced a total blockade of the highway from Packages 2, 3, 4, and 5 stretching from Kikruma to Pfutsero and Chizami.
The blockade will be imposed starting from July 17, 6 am onwards. The decision comes in response to the non-payment of compensation for damages despite a deadline set for Tuesday.
Kuveluyi Chuzho, convenor of the Aggrieved Landowners, Kohima-Jessami 2-Lane Road Construction, informed that a representation was earlier served to the Deputy Commissioner of Phek on July 4. However, with no progress made on the issue, the landowners have resolved to enforce the blockade.
Chuzho clarified that the blockade will continue “until a personal confirmation is received from the Deputy Commissioner of Phek that the compensation amount has been deposited into his account by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).”
Also read: Kohima–Jessami road: Landowners threaten blockade over unpaid compensation
During the blockade, exemptions will only be made for security forces, fire and emergency services, and medical emergencies. The landowners said the blockade is being carried out to highlight the long-pending issue of compensation that remains unresolved despite repeated appeals.
In view of the disruption, the public has been advised to use alternative routes such as Phek–Pfutsero–Kohima via Zuketsa or via Chetheba to avoid the affected stretch of NH-29.
Further, the landowners expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and appealed for understanding and cooperation as they seek a resolution to the matter.