Morung express news Dimapur | August 25 Former NSF President, Achumbemo Kikon has termed Bhandari in Wokha district as having the greatest growth potential among the 60 Assembly Constituencies in Nagaland.
Speaking at a consultative gathering of NPF workers of 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency in Dimapur on August 25, the Convenor of the NPF Legal Cell and former NSF president held that Bhandari can prove to be crucial not only for its oil reserves but also for its strategic geographical location in the foothills of Nagaland state bordering Assam.
However, he regretted that the constituency is lacking in many aspects of development, its potential notwithstanding. It has remained marginalised for years and its tag as a 'Backward area' has not been of much help, he said. According to him, the fund the area receives from the DUDA is not enough to cover the many development issues it faces.
With 80 villages, he said that the constituency is vast in terms of area but poor in road connectivity. Over 20 villages in the constituency are reported to be without road connectivity and many still without schools.
Stating that the constituency has seen many leaders over the years, who have tried, he though added, "No leader from the constituency has been able to sufficiently address the problems."
On the Nagaland Foothill Road, he held that it should be completed at the earliest, while adding it will give a fillip to the area and improve condition of the people.
Hinting vying for the NPF ticket from the constituency for the 2018 Assembly elections, Kikon said, "Hopefully, the party (NPF) ticket will come my way." "If the people repose their faith in me, I'll be able to translate the demands (of the constituency)."
Commenting on the Naga political issue, he said that all Nagas should put up a united front "instead of pointing fingers." "The GoI this time appears serious," he said, adding that allowing the issue to linger will be disadvantageous to the Nagas
