Expectations on ULBs are high, says Moatoshi Longkumer

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) should adapt to changes based on the requirements and needs of the people, as what worked two decades ago may not work today, said Advisor for Labour and Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, as the civic body is taking a new shape following the elections held after nearly 20 years.

Speaking at the thanksgiving programme of newly elected DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi at Honili Memorial Higher Secondary School, in Lhomithi Colony Dimapur on Saturday, Longkumer said the new councillors have a big task to accomplish as expectations of the people will be high.

He encouraged the DMC to lead from the front and set a good example for other councils, as its business activities affect other districts, being the commercial hub of the state. He also said that the councillors must know their functions and limitations mentioned in the Municipal Act to perform their duties sincerely and effectively.

Also speaking at the event, Advisor to Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu said that exciting time has arrived with urban local bodies being formed and the DMC under the leadership of Hukheto Yepthomi is set to serve the people.

In the meantime, she said that it is going to be very challenging as they have to start from the scratch after keeping the ULB election at bay for nearly 20 years.

She cautioned that people can be impatient sometimes and unnecessarily burden them with their expectations but encouraged the chairman and all the council members to be patient and tolerant.

Secretary General of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Abu Metha said that the NDPP is a regional party whose ideology and foundations are rooted in regional ideology that is committed to carrying the voices, the aspirations and the desire of the Naga people and committed to stand, protect and preserve the culture, heritage and history of Nagaland. The state government under the vision and the guidance of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will have an all new approach to take up urban planning and urban development; many dub Dimapur as a mini Nagaland, but it is also a mini India, he said.

This is the city that will determine the destiny of millions of people for generations to come, but with the advantage of geography, they cannot sit and wait for good things to happen; they have to put their collective minds together, he added.

While addressing the gathering, Hukheto Yepthomi thanked the NDPP led by the chief minister and party president Chingwang Konyak for bestowing faith in him and electing him as leader of DMC.

It is a long time and everyone is yearning for development, and as we walk towards our common goal, let’s be patient and understand that this DMC is taking charge after 20 years, he said.

He said that he would refrain from making any promises now, as they have been tasked with lot of work and issues from the past, as they embarked on a journey towards a better future but assured that the DMC will address the pressing issues at the earliest.

Dimapur is a collective responsibility, and together, we will build a stronger and more vibrant community, he said while promising to serve the people with integrity, transparency and empathy.

‘This is not a victory for me, but a responsibility to represent the hopes and dreams and aspirations of Dimapur,’ he said.