JAC stages protest
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, May 03 2025: The affected landowners of the Imphal-Kohima (NH 2) four-lane project (package 4A) staged a democratic agitation at Mayangkhang village demanding adequate compensation and installation of the proposed arbitrator.

The agitation was organised by the JAC, NH-2 Expansion Pkg-4A (Imphal-Kohima).

Speaking along the sidelines of the protest, BK John, JAC convenor, said that the land compensation rate, which was five times lower than the prevailing local market rate, was arbitrarily fixed by the-then Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi without proper consultation with the landowners.

Though the landowners initially refused to accept the compensation, they eventually accepted it under protest after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the DC on July 31, 2021 with a promise to install an arbitrator as per the RICTLAAR Act, 2013, said BK John.

However, despite multiple ultimatums and agitations, the process of arbitration has been neglected by the Government on multiple occasions.

Additionally, the JAC has also reportedly halted the expansion work from May 3 due to the prolonged delay of the arbitration process.

The protesters shouted slogans such as "Without arbitration, no construction", "Compensate adequate amount", "We want fair compensation" .

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