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Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 30
Residents of a locality in Dimapur have sounded alarm over an alleged government plan to relocate the Government Hindi Institute in Dimapur from its present site. The Oriental Colony Council (OCC) and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) expressed resentment over the alleged relocation plan citing no prior information was given to the local community.
Addressing a press conference, jointly with the President of the DUCCF, on April 30, OCC Chairperson Imtikumzuk stated that the Hindi institute, which also serves as a Hindi Teachers' Training Institute, has functioned smoothly in its current location since June 1985 without any issue. While stating that the plan to shift the institute surfaced without prior information given to the local community, he questioned the rationale behind what was termed as the state government continuously moving developments out of Dimapur district.
He added that the council had submitted a representation to the Principal Secretary and the Director of School Education in Kohima, on April 21, 2026, but has yet to receive a response. When asked about space for potential expansion, he said that the current land measures approximately two and a half bighas (approximately 30-35 thousand square feet), which is sufficient if utilised properly.
According to OCC Executive Member, T Lotha, the institute was originally established in 1968 and moved to the present site in Oriental Colony in the mid-1980s. Expressing suspicion of vested interests aiming to turn the prime site into private property, he said that the residents have protected the institute and will not accept its relocation any other place. Lotha pointed out the poor condition of the current infrastructure and questioned why the government is not upgrading the facility instead.
The institute currently teaches up to Class 12. He said that it forces students to travel to Agra for graduation, and demanded the introduction of degree and B. Ed courses at the present site. “If the institute is shifted, the Colony Council will reclaim the property and we will open a Youth Center there. We will not allow any individual to take over this property,” Lotha asserted.
DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato demanded transparency, while alleging that the District Education Officer (DEO) was entirely unaware of the proposed shift when DUCCF office bearers inquired about the matter.
Zakiesato also highlighted the dilapidated state of the building, mentioning that the ceilings are eaten by termites and falling apart. He dismissed argument that relocation is needed for spatial expansion, stating that the institute’s highest annual enrolment over the past 50 years has been around 30 students, often dropping to single digits.
“Is there a commercial hidden agenda? Changing the location makes no sense, which is why we need clarification,” Zakiesato said.
The institute will reportedly be moved to Pherima in Medziphema, Chümoukedima though this information was not officially verified.
As per reports, the land originally demarcated for the institute at the present site was 20 bighas. However, it has today lost much of the originally demarcated land to encroachment.
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