The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) has urged the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh to personally oversee the physical re-verification of land and property affected by the Lada–Sarli Frontier Highway project, amid allegations of irregularities in the disbursal of compensation. In a memorandum submitted on January 12, the organisation said direct supervision by the Chief Secretary would help ensure transparency, fairness and public confidence in the ongoing process. EKSWCO represents families whose land and structures fall along the proposed alignment of the Lada–Sarli Frontier Highway in East Kameng district.The organisation welcomed the state government’s decision to begin a fresh physical re-verification of land compensation claims. It also acknowledged action taken against individuals allegedly linked to irregularities in the compensation process. However, EKSWCO said that given the seriousness of the allegations and the anxiety among affected families, higher-level oversight was necessary to prevent further disputes and to restore trust.
According to the memorandum, the district administration is scheduled to start the re-verification exercise from January 14. EKSWCO said that if the exercise is carried out under the direct watch of the Chief Secretary, it would send a strong message that the government is committed to an impartial and fair process. The organisation noted that several landowners have raised concerns over incorrect assessments and unequal compensation, which have led to tension in the area.EKSWCO also reiterated the need to strictly follow the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. It specifically called for the immediate constitution of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee under Section 45 of the Act. The organisation said the committee is essential to safeguard the rights of affected families and to ensure that rehabilitation measures are properly planned and implemented.To maintain transparency during the verification process, EKSWCO nominated its chairperson Raya Flago and its general secretary and advocate Kasung Cheda Gyadom as representatives of voluntary organisations to observe and monitor the exercise. The organisation said the presence of independent observers would help avoid confusion and ensure that the concerns of landowners are properly recorded.
The organisation further appealed to the East Kameng Deputy Commissioner to make the draft compensation list public before any final payment is made. It demanded that the list should clearly mention the applicable land rates, the amount of compensation calculated for each claimant and the basis on which the assessment has been done. EKSWCO also asked the administration to provide a 30-day period for affected families to file objections or seek clarifications.Issue chairman Chopa Cheda said compensation should be released only after all objections are carefully examined and resolved. He said this step is necessary to make sure that no eligible family is denied its rightful dues and that errors, if any, are corrected in time. He added that a hurried disbursal without addressing objections could create long-term problems and legal disputes.
