• TYNA opposes shifting of institute, says will not rest till justice is delivered
• Statement claiming to represent 25 villages welcomes government’s move
DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): As the state government remained silent on the controversy regarding shifting of an “already-inaugurated” government polytechnic Institute from Yungho Yongnyah to Hukpang, in Longleng district, the Tamlu Yongnyah Namsang Area (TYNA) public forum today stated that it would not “rest until justice is delivered to the people.”
Even as the TYNA, comprising of 24 villages under Longleng district, denounced the laying of two foundation stones for a single polytechnic institute, a statement claiming to represent 25 villages under Longleng district welcomed the laying the foundation stone of the Polytechnic Institute in Hukphang, Longleng.
The TYNA, in a press statement from its president, Buphei Phom and General Secretary, V Longba Phom reiterated its stand to disassociate from the Phom Peoples’ Council (PCC) citing the latter’s failure to implement a resolution that “any means of government projects, schemes and funds should not be diverted or shifted from one place to another viz. District Hq./sub division/ EAC Hqs and villages vice versa and all the development funds should be judiciously utilized”.
Stating that it had submitted a representation to the PPC to uphold and implement the particular resolution, the TYNA lamented that this was to no avail. “The TYNA declaration of dissociation from PPC is not emotional based and hurried but an outburst of accumulated displeasure over the intentional non-implementation of apex tribal resolution,” it added.
The TYNA reminded that it had submitted a representation to the concerned Minister and the government not to go against the resolution “but, consciously the Minister shrugged off and disregarded the genuine appeal of the people.” It added that the forum had also asked the government “not to create misunderstanding and disunity among the people.”
Reiterating on its stand, the TYNA resolved to “dissociate from all the tribal organization;” and in this regard directed all members to “resign en mass so as to create a separate TYNA platform like students and women organizations etc.” “If any member of TYNA is found violating this resolution, TYNA will impose a fine of Rs 50,000 and initiate action deemed fit,” it added.
Meanwhile, the TYNA condemned the bomb blast triggered at the residence of the PPC’s president on June 20. It said that “such destructive act is highly condemnable by one and all.” The TYNA asked the concerned authority to nab the culprit responsible “in the barbaric act” and take action.
As the TYNA remained firm on its opposition to the shifting of the institute, a statement claiming to represent 25 villages in the district "thanked" the Nagaland Chief Minister, the Higher & Technical Education Minister, the Health and Family Welfare Minister, along with the Department of Higher & Technical Education “for timely laying the foundation stone of the Polytechnic Institute in Hukphang, Longleng.”
“With the laying of the foundation stone, the PDA Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has fulfilled the long cherished dream of the Phom people and younger generation, "said a press release from the Convenor of the “25 villages,” Lakmei Phom and General Secretary, Lauphung Phom. It has proven that the People's Democratic Alliance Government is for the people, it said.
The statement pointed out that the government’s decision to establish the institute in Hukphang which is just 2 kms away from the Longleng town “is also a sign of honouring the sentiment of the general public. And we firmly believe that this institution will truly serve our Phom people in particular and Nagas in general educationally.”
It meanwhile urged the Department of Higher & Technical Education to expedite the process for building construction, while assuring “utmost cooperation for timely completion as it is the desire of the people to have such model institutions in our soil.”
It may be noted that the foundation stone for the polytechnic in Hukphang was inaugurated on June 21. However, the TYNA has stated that the aforesaid foundation stone is the same as the one erected on September 26, 2017 at Yungho Yongnyah.
