JAC on NH-2 halts expansion works
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, April 30 2025: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of PKG-4A, Kohima-Imphal NH-02, representing affected landowners, has announced the resumption of its democratic protest, halting all highway expansion works from May 3, 2025.The decision follows the government's continued failure to address long-standing demands, according to a press release issued Wednesday by JAC convenor BK John.

It may be recalled that on February 26, 2025, the JAC submitted a representation to the Governor via the deputy commissioner of Kangpokpi, urging immediate intervention to prevent disruption of ongoing highway works.

At the time, the planned agitation was called off at the deputy commissioner's request, with a copy of the appeal also forwarded to the chief secretary.

In that communication, the JAC warned that further delays in the arbitration process would compel them to resume its agitation.

Despite assurances, the arbitration process remains stalled.

The JAC highlighted that an earlier unilateral compensation rate of Rs 30.97 per sq ft, set without consultation by the then deputy commissioner/CALA, was rejected by the affected landowners.

This led to the signing of an MoU on July 31, 2021, promising the appointment of an arbitrator and a fair compensation process.

On October 16, 2021, the Manipur Revenue Department nominated a retired IAS officer as arbitrator, but it was rejected by the Central Ministry, which required a serving officer.

After an eight-month delay, a serving IAS officer was appointed on June 21, 2022, but the arbitration never began.

Multiple appeals by the JAC were reportedly ignored.

A series of ultimatums followed, resulting in limited procedural movement - attendance was recorded on three occasions between December 2022 and February 2023, but substantive proceedings never took place.

Despite reminders from the JAC to include all relevant departments, the process remained dormant.

Further notices were issued in 2023 and 2024, with arbitration efforts repeatedly disrupted, including by the outbreak of ethnic violence.

The latest arbitration order, issued after several JAC ultimatums, was abruptly cancelled on September 11, 2024, again halting progress.

On January 24, 2025, the JAC issued another ultimatum with a February 5 deadline.

Following a request from the deputy commissioner, the protest was deferred to February 12, with a final notice issued on February 18 and deadline of February 26.With no government response, the JAC now states it has no option but to resume its agitation.

Stating that the patience of affected landowners has been exhausted, the JAC urged NHIDCL and contractor Leckon Company to cooperate.

It warned that any non-cooperation would be at their own risk, and the JAC would not be held responsible for public reactions arising from further delays.

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