Staff reporter
ITANAGAR, SEPT 8:
The North East Human Rights (NEHR) has raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of land compensation to villagers affected by the Frontier Highway project as per the provisions of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act.
Addressing media persons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Tuesday, NEHR chairperson Ebo Mili said the organisation had received complaints from several districts, particularly West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Keyi Panyor, Kamle, West Siang, Dibang Valley and Anjaw, regarding alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of compensation to land-affected villagers of the Frontier Highway project.
Mili alleged that the State Government, particularly A K Singh (IAS) Commissioner of the Land Management Department was not providing compensation to the affected landowners in accordance with the provisions and guidelines of the LARR Act.
He said several affected villagers had approached the courts seeking redressal, and that the courts had also directed the concerned authorities to provide compensation as per the applicable guidelines. However, he alleged that the concerned officials were not complying with the court orders.
“Despite several meetings with the concerned authorities, the issue remains unresolved,” Mili said.
The affected villagers have now approached NEHR, urging the organisation to take up their grievances with the State Government and ensure fair and just compensation in accordance with the applicable laws and norms.
Mili further said that the affected villagers had decided to launch a democratic movement, including a bandh in Itanagar, if the State Government failed to resolve the issue by September 27.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the risks posed by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), Mili called upon the State Government to take proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable areas and downstream communities.
He stressed the need for proper risk assessment, disaster preparedness and effective safety measures to minimise the potential impact of GLOF events.
