Kohima, December 8 (MExN): The citizens of Noklak constituency have reportedly made a formal representation to the Nagaland state government to instate Noklak as another district in the line of Kiphire, Longleng and Peren districts. These districts have constituencies each similar to Noklak’s. As also, DAN minister P Longon is rooting for a district status for Noklak, the area he represents. Accordingly, a representation has already been submitted for upgrading the sub-division ADC headquarters to that of deputy commissioner’s on the basis of its ‘large population and administrative convenience for their governance’.
The rational behind this demand is, that Noklak Assembly constituency comprises almost 45 per cent of Tuensang district besides being strategically located on the Indo-Myanmar border for about 140 kilometers. The constituency which comprises mainly of Khiamungan and Yimchunger communities and although considered backward ‘officially’, the “people of these areas are not backward”, according to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio earlier.
However, they need development facilities and “only district status” would facilitate “speedier development” particularly in infrastructure as also human resources development.
Nagaland minister P Longon who represents Noklak assembly constituency today said that the administrative headquarters for Noklak area constituency was created in 1951 as also for Longleng whereas for Kiphire it was constituted in 1952 and Peren in 1973. The minister said that his constituents are awaiting the state government’s official response. However, he added: “I hope my government and Cabinet colleagues will eventually decide in favour of our request.”
Creating a new district will entail several factors such as allocation of necessary funds for construction of infrastructure like office buildings, official quarters for staff amongst other, Longon said. This may take a time but considering the development progress of the NPF-led DAN government, it may not prove to be such an insurmountable obstacle, Longon added. It may be recalled that the ruling DAN government during its previous tenure had initiated the construction of several mini-hydel projects and bridges in the constituency when Longon in his previous avatar as roads and bridges minister managed to do so.
