The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) has called upon the state government to ensure uniform compensation rates for land, trees, crops, and other affected properties under Package 1 to 5 of the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project in East Kameng district. In a representation submitted to the Commissioner of Land Management, the organisation alleged significant disparities in compensation rates between East Kameng and neighbouring districts such as Koloriang and Bichom, despite similar topographical conditions and nature of land acquisition. The EKSWCO expressed concern that beneficiaries in East Kameng are reportedly receiving substantially lower compensation for identical assets.
For instance, the organisation cited the example of tasha (rambang), stating that compensation for one unit had reportedly been fixed at Rs 7,500 in Koloriang and Bichom districts, whereas beneficiaries in East Kameng are being paid only Rs 1,500 for the same unit. The EKSWCO described the disparity as arbitrary and discriminatory, stating that affected landowners in East Kameng should not be subjected to lower compensation rates when the project, terrain, nature of acquisition, and affected assets are comparable to those in neighbouring districts. The organisation requested the department to review the matter and extend the compensation rates applicable in Koloriang and Bichom districts uniformly to all beneficiaries under Package 1 to 5 of the Frontier Highway project in East Kameng.
The EKSWCO also sought corrective measures within 15 days of receipt of the representation, warning that if the issue is not resolved within the stipulated period, it would be compelled to explore legal remedies and initiate appropriate proceedings to protect the interests of the affected beneficiaries.
