Dimapur, October 12 (MExN): The Vigilance Committee of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and Dimapur-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have issued 'urgent appeals' to the State Government and other stakeholders to address the pressing issues affecting the district.
The issues, including drug menace, traffic congestion, potholes, among others, served as the main agendas of a crucial consultative meeting held on October 7, conducted by the Vigilance Committee NCD in collaboration with several prominent Dimapur-based CSOs.
After a comprehensive discussion regarding the "sorry state of Dimapur in all affairs" and the plight faced by the residents, the meeting issued a series of ‘urgent appeals’ to relevant authorities and stakeholders for the well-being of the district.
Swift action against drug menace: The CSOs earnestly requested Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma, to take swift action in addressing the growing and alarming issue of drug abuse, particularly among the youth and students in Dimapur.
While commending the DGP for his stringent measures against narcotics within the police force, the CSOs called for similar action against civilian drug users as the menace continues to escalate.
Immediate repair of roads: The CSOs stated that there are thousands of "potholes and ditch-like roads" in Dimapur city and its surrounding areas, causing unbearable hardships for commuters and schoolchildren.
Accordingly, the CSOs urged the concerned Government Department to promptly repair the deplorable condition of Dimapur's roads.
Parking facilities inside schools: The CSOs also suggested to the Managing Boards of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School (HSS), Christian HSS, St. Mary HSS, and Little Star HSSS to provide designated parking areas within their school compounds for vehicles dropping off and picking up students. Schools currently implementing such measures were also urged to continue doing so.
Vehicle owners responsible for school transportation were also encouraged not to halt on the main roads in town, even for a minute, to alleviate traffic congestion in Dimapur.
Parking for commercial buildings: Concerning parking for commercial buildings and shops, the CSOs urged the owners not to park their vehicles in the Dimapur market roads throughout the day.
Such practices have led to parking difficulties for shoppers, and this issue has persisted for years without effective government intervention, they added.
Activation of Forest Colony Shopping Mall: The CSOs also urged the concerned department to immediately commission the functioning of the shopping mall in Forest Colony, Dimapur, to ensure that Dimapur residents can access the benefits and opportunities it offers without further delay.
Meanwhile, the CSOs and NCD Vigilance Committee called upon the concerned government departments and other stakeholders to take these appeals seriously and promptly take corrective measures.
The Dimapur-based CSOs will express their resentment and reaction in any feasible manner if such measures are not implemented, stated a press release issued by NCD Vigilance Committee Convener Joseph Lemtur and Co-Convener Hotoshe Sumi on October 11.
The Dimapur-based CSOs and NCD Vigilance Committee also resolved that they would meet frequently to adopt a course of action if their appeals are not addressed promptly by the concerned authorities, it added.
Apart from the NCD, the CSOs attending the meeting included Dimapur Naga Students' Union, Dimapur Urban Colonies' Chairmen Federation, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, ACAUT, BAN, GBs Union Sadar Dimapur, Dimapur District GBs Association, DCCI, Non-Naga Representatives, East Dimapur GBs Union, East Dimapur Business Association, Eastern Naga Students' Union Dimapur, and Dimapur District Citizens' Forum.
