Phek, February 22 (DIPR): Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio undertook an intensive tour to one of the most remote places in the border area of Meluri sub-division under Phek district on February 21.
On his maiden visit, Rio addressed the public gathering on the sideline of Tizu River near Lüruri village. His visit was also to inspect the ongoing bridge construction at the Lüruri-Mimi point, which would be one of the longest bridges in the State as well as the progress of the ongoing mineral road construction, which is undertaken in the rich mineral belt of the State.
Rio reiterated that the regional parties had utmost care and concern for developing the most backward areas as well as to uplift the living standard of the poor people. Regional party directly deals with the villagers and rural people as their policies and aims are oriented to develop the poor masses, he said. The present DAN has a long term vision for the Naga people and thus in order to fulfill those visions he called for the people’s continued support. Construction of the mineral road is very important to provide the basic infrastructure in order to attract investors to explore and exploit the untapped natural resources so that in the long run manufacturing and exporting of goods to Myanmar and South East Asian countries could be carried out to boost our economy, he added.
He also stated that the western part of Nagaland is rich in oil and natural gas, whereas the southern part of Nagaland, which is rich in other minerals, should be used to make Nagaland a rich and developed State. ‘Instead of always depending on New Delhi for financial assistance and grant we have to live on our own resources and utilise them to earn revenue for our sustenance’ he further said. Stating that in the State of Nagaland most of the developmental works are stop due to the problem of land ownership, extortion and illegal taxation from hostile elements, Rio, calls on the land owners and local to be vigilant and caution against such elements and create peaceful atmosphere for industrialisation of the State in order to bring development and set up industries in the State.
Further he called upon the public to make little sacrifices and cooperate with the government for the larger interest and benefit of the masses. Ones industries are set up there will be job opportunities as well as increase in income and other related financial benefit which in the long run would enable us to change our attitude and adapt ourselves with the changing world or else we would lack far behind in this unprecedented economically competitive world, Rio said.
Rio also added that Nagas have the same history, identity and traditional practices even though we are divided under different administrative units, therefore there are a greater need for political, social, cultural and emotional integration. Likewise after much initiation the Government of Myanmar had given recognition to the Nagas in the year 2010 whereby Naga representatives participated and got elected to the Myanmar Union government.
He also called on the people to preserve wild life and also to maintain ecological balance so that the area would be source of tourist attraction. Stressing on the need of good leadership, he said that politician are prone to get all the dirt for their failures but whether we like it or not we have to rely on our political leader for our future. We should not take politic casually saying that politic is the only hope for the people while on earth even the smallest thing matters much in politics, he stated. The Chief Minister also made a surprise and unscheduled visit to Mimi village and also inspected the limestone deposits, which are found in large quantity in the area.
Senior officials of the NSMDC accompanied and briefed him on the status of the limestone and other minerals in the area. Rio was accompanied by Minister for Health & Family welfare, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Parliamentary Secretary for RD besides other government officials and public leaders.
