Eviction drive on illegally occupied government land carried out on June 13, 2025. (Morung file Photo)
Dimapur, January 9 (MExN): The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), representing the ‘collective voice of the urban colonies and citizens of Dimapur’, has issued a demand for the immediate vacation of acquired airport land currently occupied by the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC), calling the continued occupation “untenable” and a hindrance to critical infrastructure development.
In a statement, the federation cited documented records stating that the Dimapur Airfield was formally handed over by the Indian Air Force to the National Airports Authority (now Airports Authority of India - AAI) in the year 1987, along with all fixed assets and external services, on an “as-is-where-is” basis. “The effective date of transfer was September 1, 1987, thereby, vesting full authority, rights, and administrative control of the said land with the civil aviation authorities,” it stated.
“Despite this clear transfer of ownership and jurisdiction, the continued occupation of airport-acquired land by ARTC is untenable, unjustified, and contrary to public interest,” the DUCCF asserted. The federation argued, “Such occupation not only violates the spirit and intent of the original land acquisition but also impedes critical infrastructure development, airport expansion, and public utility projects vital for the growth and safety of Dimapur and Nagaland at large.”
“Sufficient time, notices, and opportunities have already been accorded to ARTC over the years,” the forum asserted adding, “The matter has lingered for decades, despite documentary clarity and repeated public concerns. No further delay or ambiguity can be entertained.”
The DUCCF expressed “serious concern” over reports that the ARTC has not yet fully vacated approximately 18.9 acres of land earmarked for the first phase of “the Dimapur Airport expansion, despite ample time and repeated examinations of the matter by the competent authorities.”
“The delay in vacating the designated land has directly hampered infrastructure development and inconvenienced the general public, which is unacceptable at this stage,” the federation stated. It emphasised that the expansion of Dimapur Airport is a project of immense public interest, critical to the economic growth, connectivity, safety, and overall development of Dimapur district and Nagaland as a whole
It stated that “sufficient time, notices, and opportunities” have been provided to ARTC to address the concerns. “Prolonging the matter further only undermines public welfare and delays a nationally important infrastructure project,” DUCCF reiterated.
It demanded the ARTC to “immediately and fully vacate the land” without further resistance. It further appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, to take a firm and decisive stand by issuing necessary directions to enforce the vacation of the premises. It also urged the State Government and concerned authorities to uphold the sanctity of official records and ensure that public land meant for strategic infrastructure is not misused or unlawfully retained.
“The Federation stands united with the AAI and the citizens of Dimapur in demanding swift and decisive action from all concerned authorities,” DUCCF asserted, hoping the MHA would act promptly to resolve the long-pending issue in the public interest.
