EMN
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 13
MINISTER of Planning and Coordination, TR Zeliang, today appealed to the people to be prepared to bear the impact that will bring by the foothill road which will connect Nagaland from one end to another which is aimed at to link with neighbouring state like Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
He stated that there would be great impact on the economy and changed the livelihood of the people in Nagaland as and when the foothill road, which is already approved by the centre, is completed. However, he said the people must start planning and be ready by now and reap maximum benefit out of it.
“When this road is completed we must be ready to make use of our available resources for the economic uplift,” he asserted.
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural function of Village Council Hall and playground at Lamhai village today as chief guest, TR Zeliang said he and the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, had recently met the Planning Commission wherein it was agreed upon to start construction of foothill road on war footing. He said that the survey and alignment work would soon begin.
He has appealed the people not to disturb the project in the name of land owner but fully cooperate with government so that the work is completed well in time. He regretted that many road projects could not be implemented because of the land ownership problem. He, therefore, urged upon the people to be generous when it comes to development for benefit of the whole state.
TR Zeliang also disclosed that the National Highway Authority of India has approved to upgrade the existing Peren-Dimapur road to National Highway which will connect neighbouring Manipur and Assam state.
Meanwhile, TR Zeliang also said that Nagaland will be a unique and distinct state within the Indian Union and the world if Article 371 (A) of Indian Constitution is implemented in reality by the Nagas.
He reiterated that Constitution of India has given special rights to the Nagas in regards to customary laws, culture, religion, land and its resources, civil administration and criminal procedure. He saod it is now up to the Nagas to implement it on ground so as to maintain the uniqueness of Nagas in true sense.
Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kelie Zeliang, and other also spoke on the occasion. Other highlights of the programme included special song, short by Amezi, Head GB, and Pausuidi, treasurer of LVC.
