ATSD says it will benefit the people
DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (MExN): The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has urged the State government under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to revive and construct the Nagaland Foothill Road which stretches from Nuiland, Dimapur to Naginimora under Mon District. The ASTD in a press note pointed out that this particular road if constructed will benefit Nagaland in general and the citizens of six districts— Zunheboto, Tuensang, Mokokchung, Longleng, Mon and Wokha in particular.
The General Secretary, C. Onen Walling informed that the executive members of ASTD had an emergency meeting on May 5, and after much deliberation it was unanimously resolved to urge the government to initiate what it termed as the “mammoth task of the much talked issue of the Nagaland foothills road which stretches from Nuiland Dimapur to Naginimora under Mon District”.
The ASTD claimed that the construction of this road had been abandoned and gathering dust for almost 40 years. Therefore, the ASTD, fervently appealed to the “popular Government” and all the Hohos, Churches, Village councils, Colony council, Organizations/Associations/Forum and all right thinking citizens to extend their helping hands through every possible means so as to accomplish this long cherished goal.
Pointing out that Nagaland attained Statehood almost 50 years ago, the ASTD however stated that its citizens had to undergo much hardship and even “humiliation” “coupled with unreasonable harassment” as the only road at present traversed through the neighboring State of Assam.
“Eventually, it creates fear psychosis and feeling of insecurity in the minds of our people. More ironically at the time of bandhs called by different organizations in our neighboring State (Assam), we often get the lion share as we are accustomed to fall as easy prey”, stated the ASTD while adding that for the last 50 years “our state is still nagging under the mercy of our neighboring state.”
Also stating that “handsome budgetary allocation is made for procuring luxurious vehicles”, the ASTD pointed out that instead “a calculative investment should be made for road construction because there is no vehicle that can ply without road”.
Mentioning the many advantages that will follow once the road is constructed; the ASTD stated that the local economy and trade among Nagas will improve besides leading to self reliance and not to be at the “mercy of our neighboring state.” Therefore, in view of the rationale, the ASTD appealed to the “popular Government of Nagaland to kindly ponder over the issue seriously and expeditiously with application of conscious mind and to do the needful at earliest”.
