ASTD spearheads beautification of Naga Cemetery in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The beautification project at Naga Cemetery, Lakeview Colony, Dimapur, undertaken by the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), is currently in progress.

According to an update provided by ASTD during a press conference on Monday at the Treasurer’s Residence in Dimapur, more than INR 60 lakh has been used so far.

The convener of the planning and construction committee, Imti Aier, clarified that the beautification of the Naga cemetery is a project of the ASTD initiated after signing an agreement in 2022, and the property solely belongs to the Naga Council.

He updated that they are planning to have three phases: Phase I is to construct a prayer hall, whereby 80% of the construction is completed. Phases II and III will focus on parameter beautification and controlling the weeds.

They will also be upgrading it to a block system, making it easier for family members to locate their loved ones’ graves.

He said that Naga Cemetery was established in 1972 and presently covers an area of about 5.2 acres, and about 7,000 bodies are buried there. He noted that ASTD initiated the project to preserve, protect, and maintain the cemetery after it was abandoned due to space constraints and a cemetery was established elsewhere.

He stated that as part of the phase I project, they are constructing a prayer hall in the centre that will be able to accommodate about 850 people.

He shared that initially, when the project started, there were concerns about funding. However, ASTD established a committee with a member from each of the six ranges of Aos, and they successfully raised funds, enabling the commencement of the project work.

He stated that because this was a challenge taken on by the ASTD, they approached like-minded individuals from the Ao range for assistance. However, they plan to return the collected amount later on.

Aier further informed that there are about 7,000 bodies buried in the cemetery, but since March 2022, only family members of 2,883 have undergone an ASTD-facilitated registration. Therefore, he appealed to family members of the others to also come and register. He asserted that their main objective is to preserve and make it a tourist attraction.

Noting that they have appealed to government agencies and are hopeful for a positive response, he stated that anyone willing to contribute to the project voluntarily can contact ASTD’s president at 8974052376 and the secretary at 9436262568 or 8837048239.

The president of ASTD, Ningsangwaba Pongen, maintained that the Naga cemetery was utilised by Naga Council Dimapur until February 14, 2020; after that, due to space constraints, they established a new cemetery in another place.

He cited that after the cemetery was left unattended, it became a spot for miscreants and other illegal activities, so the ASTD decided to take up and initiate the project.