Ask CM to listen to the voice of the people and concede to public interest
Dimapur, April 6: Civil society organisations (CSOs) of Dimapur have once again declared that they would not allow the shifting of the present office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur to Chumukedima village under any circumstances.
In a joint representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, 10 Dimapur-based organisations — Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum, Sadar GB Union Dimapur, Dimapur Bar Association, Dimapur District GB Association, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur Urban Colony Chairmen Federation, Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dimapur District Village Council Chairmen Association – have appealed to the Government to “listen to the voice of the people and concede to the interest of the public”.
They also stated that the Government should revoke the use of the words “Head Quarter: Chumukedima” in the official letterhead of the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur.
According to a leaked government circular, the issue of shifting the DC office to Dimapur would be featured in the Nagaland Cabinet meeting set to be held on April 7 in Kohima.
“The apex bodies representing various organisations and citizens of Dimapur District do not have any objection for creation of two administrative heads (Urban and Rural DC) within the district for the convenience of the people. In the event of the Government continuing to act against public interest, the citizens of Dimapur shall be compelled to take out democratic agitations to ensure that the interest of the public is safeguarded,” the representation read.
The organisations lamented that in spite of “various legitimate and logical reasons stated in our earlier representations” – on August 25, 2014 and June 5, 2015 – the Government of Nagaland is still in the process of shifting the DC office from the “present strategic location to the new site” at Chumukedima.
‘Village council will dictate terms’
In a separate statement issued to the press on Tuesday, the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) also expressed opposition to the shifting of DC office to Chumoukedima, contending that “the village council will dictate terms of governance” if its relocated.
The association stated that the present DC office is located in cadastral land whereas the new office “is situated in a village land”.
“Dimapur district cannot function under village council; therefore, CNSA will not tolerate any move by the Government in shifting the Deputy Commissioner’s office,” the statement read.
The association went on to state that at this juncture, Naga people need able and interference-free administration for growth and equitable development to meet the growing challenges in the State.
“Dimapur being the only commercial centre in the State should be encouraged to further fuel the economic growth of the State for giving opportunities to unemployed youths,’ it added. (Page News Service)
