Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, with his colleagues and Myanmar MPs and others overlooking Avangkhu- Leyshi road construction on April 24. (Morung Photo)
Chizokho Vero
Avangkhu | April 25
In a step to boost India’s Look East Policy pertaining to border trade, road connectivity along Indo-Myanmar border between Avangkhu of Nagaland state and Leyshi in Myanmar is on the verge of completion.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with his colleagues and 2 MPs from Myanmar with 14 delegations on Wednesday took a 30-minute walk through the jungle of Avangkhu and physically inspected the ongoing road construction.
Avangkhu International Trade Centre under Meluri sub division of Phek district is around 300 km from Kohima.
Addressing a gathering at Avangkhu, Rio asserted that the DAN government is committed to give its “utmost effort” for early completion of the road, which when completed will lead to flourishing border trade/ business activities between India and Myanmar.
8 to 10 km of the road is left for completion of fresh cutting upto Avangkhu from Pokhungri side which will then connect to Leyshi. Sources informed that the 12th Plan has given priority to roads connectivity between Nagaland and Maynmar. The NEC and DoNER took up two projects namely Pokhungri-Avangkhu road and the Jendang Sadlle-Noklak-Pangsha road respectively.
Rio met two MPs of Myanmar here today and discussed the border trade activities with them.
Stating that the DAN government has been vocal on the need to recognize and support the rights of Nagas in Myanmar, Rio recalled its meeting with Myanmar Ambassador last year, adding that its effort in highlighting the cause of Nagas in Myanmar have led to their political recognition, taking them to the right track to progress.
Rio informed that the Naga Self-Administered Zone was created and Nagas in Myanmar are now participating in mainstream politics of Myanmar, with their own parliamentarians and legislators.
It may be recalled that in 2011, Rio, at the International Conference on “India’s Northeast: The Bridgehead between Myanmar and India” in Kohima, had talked of the need to strengthen relationship between India and Myanmar “politically, economically and socially.”
There, Rio invited Myanmar business houses to invest in Nagaland and use the State as a natural springboard for trade and commerce with the rest of India while assuring them that the best of terms would be provided for their investment in Nagaland.
Myanmar MP Lha-tun said Nagas in Myanmar were grateful to Rio for taking keen interest and initiative to complete this road (Avangkhu- Leyshi) at the earliest.
The MP also looked forward continuous helping hand from the latter to the Nagas in Myanmar stating that they are still economically and educationally backward.
Local MLA of 20th Meluri A/C, Yitachu, Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry thanked two MPs of Myanmar, Lha-tun and Maiko, and its delegation for taking a stiff walk to Avangkhu which displayed their concern and sincerity towards the ongoing road construction between India and Myanmar. Yitachu also acknowledged Rio for showing his “real concern” towards this border trade route.
Hoping that some concrete policy decision will be taken up to fulfill “Look East Policy” through this international trade route, he was also hopeful that within 5- 10 years, border trade activities would pick up ultimately, thereby setting a balance of trade between India and Myanmar.
Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner H. K. Khulu asserted that given the priority and importance to this border trade route (Avangkhu- Leyshi), a milestone would be inked on the both side of the international border.
From Avangkhu, a 33-km road will take the traffic to Leyshi.
Rio was accompanied by Minister for Forest Y. Patton, Minister for Roads & Bridges and Parliamentary Affairs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, DUDA advisor Naiba Konyak and Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control Vikheho Swu.
Meluri ADC Imsuwapang chaired the function while vote of thanks was proposed by Pochury Public Forum (PPF) President Ghachu.
Earlier, Myanmar delegations were accorded a warm welcome at Shilloi Lake Resort on April 23.
