Health Minister highlights development disparities, calls for collective action in eastern Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Minister for Health and Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak on Thursday, said that the state government has acknowledged the developmental disparities in the eastern Nagaland region.

Urging the Konyaks to seize this opportunity to focus on sustainable growth by prioritising institutions, economic development, infrastructure and employment in the region, he said this should be the collective goal of the community.

He was addressing the second day of the Konyak Students’ Union Platinum Jubilee at Mon, according to an update from the minister’s press secretary.

Highlighting the concerns that have adversely impacted the community over the years, he said one such was the perceived disparity in distribution of reservation quota.

The minister ‘cautioned the Konyak youth on the disparities in distribution of reservation quota despite their population surpassing other eastern tribes, thus making them the most backward among the communities’, the update stated.

While acknowledging that the jubilee celebration signifies jubilations and achievements of the past, he emphasised the need to be resolute and correct the mistakes of the past 74 years and strive for what was deemed impossible.

On the demand of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation for a Frontier Naga Territory, the Health minister said that the “elected members were aligned at the grassroots”.

In this connection, he said the Eastern Nagaland Legislator’s Union (ENLU) has requested the working papers and assured a thorough examination, deliberation, and consultation with the public for a referendum. He added that the actions taken on this matter would be determined by the public collective decision.

Further, the legislator highlighted Mon district’s ideal geographical location as a potential tourist destination as it shares borders with Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Keeping this in mind, he said a helipad was sanctioned at  Chen Town in 2021 to strategically connect with Myanmar, and that a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Chenmoho would be set up to cater to the medical needs for both the countries as well as Longwa.

The minister also advocated for the adoption of new farming methods for sustainable growth without compromising the environment. Taking the example of successful tea plantations in the Tizit valley, he said the same initiative could be extended to Tapi, Wakching, Phomching, Aboi, and Moka, contributing not only to the economy but also to creating employment opportunities.

Paiwang said that the state government’s decision to designate foothill areas under the Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) was a positive step. Cadastral survey of the land should be conducted which will enable the citizens to secure bank loans and lease land to industrial companies for the establishment of industries and mega projects, he added.

Highlighting the enactment of the Nagaland Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest (SARFAESI) Act in the State Assembly in 2021, he urged the youth to explore business opportunities, collaborate with investors and enable the transition of Nagaland’s salaried economy to a thriving business economy, adding that the available resources provide a significant advantage.

He maintained that Nagaland is safeguarded by Article 371(A) and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, including the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime which is integral to the Naga identity. He also urged the gathering to preserve the essence of Naga heritage for future generations.

On delimitation of constituencies, he said the ensuing exercise might result in the reduction of assembly seats in Mon and other districts with disproportionate population-to-assembly seat ratios.

Therefore, he said it is imperative to accurately enumerate all citizens, aligning with the Aadhaar system, to ensure a correct population census.

Meanwhile, congratulating the KSU for achieving a milestone, he urged them to draw inspiration from the wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm generated during the event and utilise and execute strategies to elevate and enhance the society and district.

The minister was accompanied by MLAs from Mon district. The event was also attended by senior government officials, former KSU leaders and leaders of different organisations.

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