DIMAPUR, APRIL 26 (DIPR): The office of the Border Magistrate Cell was today inaugurated in the DC Office Complex, Dimapur by Minister for Border Affairs, Industry & Commerce & Sericulture Khekiho Zhimomi.
The Minister in his speech stated that Nagaland State was once a District under Assam as Naga Hills where he stated that present Nagaland is not even one-third of what it was earlier. The issue which needs to be sorted out firstly is to defend our territorial rights, he asserted. Secondly, after the 1972 clash between Assam and Nagaland, the Government felt that it was necessary to establish a Border Affairs Department for compiling the various documents, he added. With the formation of the DAN Government, the Government decided to defend its territory and realized the importance of this department and with the initiative undertaken by the Secretary of Border Affairs, the particular office was established, he stated.
He also opined that the said department should no longer be a non-performing department and appealed to all the implementing officers to work in co-ordination with collective responsibility, dedication and sincerity while discharging one’s duty.
Delivering the keynote address, Additional Chief Secretary (Border Affairs) & Commissioner, Nagaland, TN Mannen said that population is growing day by day but land is not growing and therefore we need to protect what is ours. He also stated that during the early formation of our state, which was once under Assam, the existing reserved forest areas for both states was entrusted to be looked after by the Assam Government that misused and brought illegal immigrants to occupy the reserved forest area with the help of neutral forces. Knowing the problems and handicaps ahead, he appealed to the various Government agencies to rededicate themselves while discharging their duties. He also stated that the opening of the Border Magistrate Cell would enable better co-ordination between the Government and the people living in the border areas.
Besides the officials of Border Affairs, the programme was attended by various Heads of offices and representative of various villages. The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, KN Ngullie and the vote of thanks was proposed by ADC Niuland, A K Rai.
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