DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 2 (MExN): The mass cleaning drive initiated by the Ao Union Dimapur (Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur) on Tuesday was carried out successfully with thousands of volunteers turning up for the social work. Equipped only with the basic implements, the volunteers divided into several groups, swept the littered roads, cleared clogged drains while removing unwanted outgrowths on the sides of the roads. The accumulated litter was then collected by vehicles provide by the DMC, as well as those provided by well-wishers, and dumped at the town’s waste disposal site.
This was a first of its kind initiative with an entire community collectively involving in a sanitation exercise. Every federating (village) unit of the AUD was assigned specific locations with leaders of all units marshalling the volunteers like military commanders. It is the tradition among the Ao, particularly in the villages, to conduct mass social work at regular intervals, when all able-bodied men are bound by custom to participate.
General Secretary of the AUD, informed that over five thousand volunteers were involved. The secretary said that the initiative was carried out not to show-off or for earning accolade, rather for the good of all. This kind of work must not stop here, it must continue, he said, while adding that it also fosters community spirit. Ao Students Union Dimapur (ASUD), while appreciating the initiative said that as sensible citizens, cleanliness should be everyone’s priority. This can set an example for everyone to follow, ASUD president Sungkum Aier said.
