Parliamentary Secretary for Excise, Economics & Statistics and LMCP, T Torechu, poses for the lens with government officials, public leaders, and party workers after flagging off the Pungro – Kiusam NST bus service at Kiusam town on April 9. (Morung Photo)
PUNGRO, APRIL 9 (MExN): One of the remotest districts in Nagaland bordering Myanmar got a boost in road communication as parliamentary secretary for Excise, Economics & Statistics and Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection (LMCP), T Torechu, flagged off the newly introduced Pungro – Kiusam NST bus service at Kiusam town on Tuesday.
The introduction of the bus service comes as a great relief to the people of Kiusam and adjoining areas, especially students studying outside, sick people and poor farmers who hitherto had to travel in Tata Sumos that ply at irregular intervals besides the expensive fare.
Addressing public leaders and villagers after the flagging off ceremony, Torechu called for change in attitude among the public leaders of Pungro sub-division, irrespective of the diverse communities and dialects, by inculcating mutual respect towards one another.
He said the onus lay with public leaders and village councils in fostering better understanding among various tribes and sub-tribes so as to leave behind a legacy for the benefit of posterity.
Referring to past conflicts and mistrusts among people of Kiphire district, the Parliamentary Secretary said it should be the responsibility of every leader to bring about positive change and build trust in the society. Torechu also stressed on “change of attitude” and noted that mistrusts and apprehensions amongst various communities in the past were the main impediments towards progress.
He called upon the leaders to learn and admit their own mistakes and weaknesses rather than point accusing fingers at others on petty issues. He urged the people of the area to forget past rancor and to join hands to build a new society.
The Parliamentary Secretary also implored upon the public leaders to cooperate with the respective elected representatives and government officials to avail facilities provided by the government. He stated that development would come through unity and learning to live in the fear of the Lord.
Torechu further advised the people to pursue development for the benefit of future generation rather than seek individual gains.
On launching of the NST bus service, Torechu said the process was accelerated considering the plight of the economically weaker sections in the society, especially the students. He was of the view that delaying the service could cost them dearly as travelling by private vehicles and taxis were expensive. He also appreciated the department concerned for the prompt response for introduction of a new bus service.
Interestingly, Kiusam town falls under 57 Thonoknyu assembly constituency in Tuensang district but the civil administration is placed under Pungro sub-division in Kiphire district. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pungro, S Tainiu, in her address said the introduction of the bus service was a “historic” occasion for the people of Kiusam area, who after many years could avail the bus service.
Station Superintendent NST, Kiphire, Thomas Thonger also spoke on the occasion.
