Niuland for all Nagas to share & contribute: Jacob Zhimomi

June 29, 2022 175 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 29

Six months after it was officially notified, the ceremonial inauguration of Niuland as a full-fledged district was held on June 28. Nagaland PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi unveiled the commemorative monolith at the inauguration programme organised at the Niuland Public ground. MLAs Zhaleo Rio and Azheto Zhimomi were also in attendance.

Zhimomi, in his address, acknowledged the support rendered by the four other MLAs from the erstwhile Dimapur district, while stating that it would not have been possible without their collective cooperation.

A relatively small district in terms of population, nevertheless, he said that the 14th district of Nagaland with its natural resources and human capital has potential to grow rapidly as an economic hub. In this aspect, he said that it would be wrong to assume that the district is only for one community and rather it for all Nagas to share and contribute in the growth of the district.

While terming Niuland as a “land of diversity,” a place which belongs to everybody, he said that the various tribes of the state should feel free to develop emotions for it.

According to Zhimomi, carving out districts requires strong political will. He said that Nagaland, with its diverse tribal composition, has a tradition of creating districts based on tribe and that it was justified for the government to create new districts using that yardstick. “This was in view of the Naga social fabric. No one should be left behind. We had taken this decision and we know that we had taken the right decision,” he maintained. And with the decision taken, he said that everyone should participate and endeavour to make it work.

He further said that the reorganisation of the erstwhile Dimapur district into three different districts does not imply that the three entities are remote from each other. Rather, he said that the history shared by Niuland, Chümoukedima and Dimapur makes it akin to the National Capital Region with intertwined common interests. Exploiting this unique feature would be to the advantage towards the growth of the three districts and with this as the objective, he said that the people, including the elected representatives should work hand in hand.

Further responding to an appeal made by the Western Yimkhiung, who forms part of Niuland proper, he assured of support not only to the former but also to all communities, which would only bode well for the progress of the new district.

MLA and Advisor, Zhaleo Rio, emphasised the significance of Niuland in the greater scheme of things juxtaposed with the unresolved inter-state border issue with Assam.

He compared Niuland to an allegorical land of “milk and honey,” which he said holds true given Niuland’s strategic location and its known natural resources. “I want to challenge the public the public to work for the growth of Niuland,” he said, while calling for investment in the new district together with government support.

Commissioner, Nagaland, Rovilato Mor, while re-emphasising potential resources of Niuland, both below and above ground, said that it can become a centre of commerce for the whole state. He though threw in a word of caution in context with its proximity to the Disputed Area Belt. While stating that the potential of the new district should not be squandered away, he said that government is there to work in the interest of the new district. As such, he said that public cooperation is critical.

It was further informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu will officially inaugurate Chümoukedima district on June 29. The ceremonial programme will held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex at 11:00 am.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/niuland-for-all-nagas-to-share-contribute-jacob-zhimomi