The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has strongly urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, to immediately intervene and direct the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC) to vacate land illegally and temporarily occupied at Dimapur Airport, stating that continued delay has crippled Nagaland’s economic growth and regional connectivity.
In a representation addressed to the MHA Secretary, BAN president L Mongkum Jamir highlighted that Dimapur Airport, one of the oldest airports in Northeast India and the only commercial airport in Nagaland, has remained underdeveloped for decades due to long-standing temporary occupation of approximately 148 acres of airport land by Assam Rifle Training Centre (ARTC) and an additional 14 acres by the CRPF.
The Association stated that while recent eviction of private encroachers from airport land, carried out with the support of civil society, was a welcome step in upholding the rule of law, the continued occupation by a government entity establishes a damaging double standard that undermines public trust.
BAN asserted that infrastructure development cannot have two set of rules, one for private citizens and another for government entities. “Any entity blocking a project of such critical national and regional importance must be dealt with firmly to uphold principles of equity and national interest,” it stated.
Pointing out that the Government of Nagaland has already allotted an alternative relocation site at Shokhuvi in Chümoukedima for ARTC, the Association expressed concern over delays in this process and overvaluation and manipulation that may have been used to justify prolonged occupation. It maintained that their presence continues to block critical development, such as runway extensions and terminal upgrades, which are essential for accommodating larger aircraft and increasing passenger capacity.
“Such occupations disrupt airport master planning, compromise safety buffers and delay compliance with DGCA standards. This has resulted in operational inefficiencies, including limited flight schedules and reduced connectivity, hindering cargo facilities, directly affecting tourism, trade, and emergency response capabilities in Nagaland,” the representation stated.
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Stating that the adverse effects of these issues extend far beyond the airport itself, stifling Nagaland’s overall economic potential, BAN said with limited alternatives in Nagaland for transportation such as poor roadways, waterways, and sparse rail links, the airport is a cornerstone for regional connectivity.
It further stated that the current constraints have led to a stagnation in these areas, exacerbating unemployment among Nagaland’s lakh of educated youth, besides people of Nagaland, business community, and youths who are being deprived of opportunities, have shown immense patience. It said the continued blockage of their primary economic artery is fostering deep frustration and a sense of injustice.
The Association appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene forthwith by directing the ARTC to vacate the occupied land and complete relocation to the designated Shokhuvi site at Chumoukedima, treating this as a critical infrastructure security issue.
“Failure to act decisively risks invoking public ire and unrest, as the people of Nagaland cannot afford further delays in their pursuit of development and economic liberation,” it warned adding Nagaland must not be taken for granted, especially when such issues have long-term repercussions by depriving future generations of opportunities.
