Staff Reporter
SEPPA, 14 Jan: The seven-member re-verification committee investigating the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway land compensation scam for each package commenced reassessment on Wednesday under intense public scrutiny. The Package 1 and 2 teams headed by chairman and additional deputy commissioner, Likabali, Mokar Riba, started from 14.600 km at Eyu Anung or Yarte near Rapung village along the Bichom and East Kameng districts. Each team is accompanied by gaon buras, land-affected people, activists, one civil police of officer rank, and 13 personnel from the Central Reserve Battalion Force to ensure a smooth and peaceful reassessment process.
The Package 1 and 2 stretch is 30 kilometres long. The team could cover only 1.5 kilometres on the first day. “Though we walked more than 8 km, the stretch we measured is a little more than one kilometre only. It is very tough and difficult terrain,” said Mokar Riba, chairman of Package 1 and 2. “Tomorrow, the team will go back to measure from where we left off; it will also be almost a kilometre or more. After that, we might be able to move a bit faster as this stretch is almost in line with the PMGSY road and the terrain is also gentle,” Riba added.
The Package 3 and 4 teams led by SDO Hunli, Rakesh Tacho, started the same day from Pakke Camp, the take-off point of Package 3. Deputy Commissioner Yashwini visited both Package 3 and Package 5, which is being led by ADC Rupa, Lobsang Tsetan and started from 85.60 kilometres at Kaung Gabing Yangfo under the Chayang Tajo administrative circle.
The state had constituted three seven-member committees to re-assess the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project, which has been marred by a land compensation scam. The East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organisation, the All Nyishi Youth Association East Kameng district unit, and activists Sol Dodum and Adv. Sunday Bagang have been demanding re-verification and the immediate arrest of all culprits involved in the scam. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has so far arrested four accused, including DLRSO Takam Kechak, broker Rajo Gyadi, Yayo Yangfo, and Khya Byagang.
