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Chief minister TR Zeliang along with other cabinet colleagues after unveiling the monolith to mark the 50 years celebration of New Jalukie village on December 18.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 19 (EMN): State chief minister TR Zeliang has inaugurated the SDO (C) headquarters in Ahthibung sub-division under Peren district on December 19.
Chief minister TR Zeliang, in his inaugural address, termed the occasion as a ‘Red Letter Day’ saying it was the common desire and dream of the people.
Stating that under Athibung Circle there are about seven government establishments including CDPO, BDO, PWD (JE), Power (JE), PHC, Deputy Forest Ranger and Veterinary Field Assistant Office, the chief guest said, with the upgradation to SDO (C) all these offices would upgraded in due course of time.
Athibung Circle forms a distinct part of Peren district and as per 2011 census, it has a population of around 21,000. It has a total of 40 villages (29 recognised and 11 unrecognised).
Athibung Circle is bounded by Tening in the northern side and Intangki Forest towards the south. In the east, it shares its boundary with Jalukie and the NC Hills District in the West.
The chief minister said, since the area borders with the Intangki Reserve Forest it has vast biodiversity and rich wildlife. “People should be conscious of the preservation of flora and fauna with the principle of “benefits without destruction. Biodiversity and wildlife will be the main strengthen of the area. This resource has an immense potential to boast tourism in the state if people can responsibly take care of the wildlife.”
Zeliang said, “Athibung area is also blessed with fertile land with beautiful streams and rivers. The area has a potential of producing agricultural products on large scale for commercial purpose. But people must be willing to work hard and judiciously make of the God blessed land for economic sufficiency. Agriculture produces like paddy, vegetables, fruits, spice etc grow very well in the area therefore people of the area must harness this potential.”
Since the area also border with the neighbouring state Assam, he said, the area could be the hub of inter-state connectivity in future. “This connectivity once improved will boost interstate trade and commerce and open a wide opportunity for our youths for employment,” he said.
Zeliang said that inter-state connectivity would not be problem in near future as the two laning of Medziphema-Khelma road under State Express Highway would be taken up shortly.
“Once this road is upgraded and improved, it can be directly link with Assam. Once the roads come up, people must be prepared to make of it through proper planning for economic uplift. Besides this, Athibung-Khelma two lane road under SARDP has been approved and DPR is under submission,” he added.
“At the same time, we must all understand that development cannot take place unless people are willing to create a congenial atmosphere. There have been many instances in the state where many major projects had to be stopped because of the problems created by landowners. We must also understand that for any developmental work to take place land is required.” The chief minister appealed to all the people, especially the landowners to cooperate and part with their land generously whenever required.
“People should take care of the government properties as their own and cooperate with the Govt. in facilitating development. The people have to more responsible in protecting land and use it judiciously for the sustainable development,” Zeliang said.
Stating that Athibung area has mixed populations, he said the peaceful coexistence amongst the two tribes- Zeliang and Kuki is a pre-condition to any development and called upon the people of the area to live in peace and harmony.
Earlier, the chief minister who was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues and senior government officials, graced the golden jubilee celebration of New Jalukie village.
After unveiling the monolith, the chief guest recalled the early settlement of the village and the generosity of the land donor- Old Jalukie, fifty years ago.
Observing that the village has grown in terms of population but economically remained poor, the chief guest stressed on the need for economic development through collective efforts of all stakeholders saying, “economy is our strength.”
For this, he said people need to review their past economic condition and come up with concrete economic policy, skill development, viable farming and to take advantage of various welfare schemes.
Amongst others, ministers G Kaito Aye and Imkong L Imchen spoke during the functions.