The demand for eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land has intensified as the Nagaland Urban Councils’ Forum (NUCF), along with 36 town councils, called for the immediate vacating of land occupied by the paramilitary force to facilitate the long-pending expansion of Dimapur Airport. The joint demand reflects growing frustration over delays in infrastructure development that civic bodies say are affecting connectivity and economic growth in Nagaland.
Moreover, the town councils stated that the land in question belongs to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is crucial for upgrading Dimapur airport into a modern and fully functional aviation hub. They argued that continued occupation by Assam Rifles has stalled expansion plans for years.
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NUCF leads demand for eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land
The NUCF said it has repeatedly raised the issue with authorities but has seen little progress. According to the forum, Dimapur airport expansion remains impossible unless the AAI land is cleared.
Representatives of the 36 town councils said the eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land is not a political demand but a developmental necessity. They stressed that improved air connectivity is vital for trade, tourism, and emergency services in Nagaland.
Importance of Dimapur airport expansion
Dimapur airport is the only civil airport in Nagaland and serves as a key gateway to the state. Civic bodies said the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle rising passenger traffic and modern aircraft.
According to NUCF, expansion plans include runway extension, improved safety zones, and better terminal facilities. However, these plans remain stalled due to land constraints. Therefore, eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land has become central to the airport’s future.
Town councils cite public interest and development
The 36 town councils said they are acting in public interest. They argued that infrastructure projects of national importance should not face prolonged obstruction.
They added that citizens across urban areas have suffered due to limited air connectivity. Hence, eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land is being projected as a step toward inclusive development rather than confrontation.
Long-standing issue without resolution
The presence of Assam Rifles on AAI land has been a long-standing issue. Civic leaders said discussions and assurances in the past failed to produce results.
According to NUCF, repeated delays have eroded public confidence. As a result, the demand for eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land has gained wider support among urban bodies and civil society groups.
Call for Centre and state intervention
NUCF urged both the Centre and the Nagaland government to intervene decisively. The forum said coordination between defence authorities, AAI, and the state administration is essential to resolve the matter.
They stressed that relocation of Assam Rifles should be planned in a manner that does not compromise security. However, they maintained that eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land must happen without further delay.
Balancing security and development
While acknowledging the role of Assam Rifles in maintaining security, NUCF said development and security must go hand in hand. Civic leaders argued that alternative arrangements can ensure security without blocking critical infrastructure projects.
They said other states have successfully balanced security needs with airport expansion. Therefore, eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land should be approached as an administrative solution rather than a conflict.
Public support and civic unity
The joint demand by NUCF and 36 town councils highlights rare civic unity across Nagaland’s urban bodies. Leaders said the issue affects people beyond Dimapur, as improved connectivity benefits the entire state.
Public discussions and resolutions passed by town councils indicate growing support for the demand. As a result, eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land has emerged as a major civic issue.
Possible implications if delays continue
Civic bodies warned that further delays could affect future investment and tourism prospects. Limited airport capacity, they said, discourages business and limits emergency response capabilities.
Therefore, NUCF reiterated that eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land is essential to unlock development potential and meet growing infrastructure needs.
Way forward
NUCF said it remains open to dialogue but expects time-bound action. The forum urged authorities to announce a clear roadmap for land clearance and airport expansion.
Overall, the demand by NUCF and 36 town councils underscores mounting pressure to resolve the Dimapur airport issue. With eviction of Assam Rifles from AAI land now firmly placed as a priority, the coming response from the Centre and state government will be crucial in determining the future of Nagaland’s only airport.
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