Support the govt for progress: CM

Our Correspondent KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 30 Chief Minister TR Zeliang Monday called upon the landowners and citizens of the State to extend cooperation and support to the government to take the State forward through development and progress. Inaugurating the newly constructed 3km exit road of Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, the chief minister lauded Phesama village for donating the land free of cost to the State government for construction of the said road. With a major portion of the national highway being cut off this year near Phesama, the new exit road comes as ‘very timely’. It was during this year’s monsoon where a good chunk of the road was damaged and houses carried away. The impact of the natural calamity affected the flow of national highway during the entire monsoon. With the exit road becoming a reality, the chief minister was all praise for Phesama village who have generously donated the land free of cost, and further the department concerned and contractors for speedily completing the project before Hornbill festival. The carpeting is yet to be carried out; however, metal-solling along the stretch of the 3km road has been completed. Addressing a host of village leaders, elders, government officials and legislators, Zeliang urged all concerned stakeholders to give a concerted effort towards developmental activities. The chief minister also cited that in order to provide drinking water facility for the people of the State capital, the government has been approaching villages, while some have willfully come forward for the cause. Making an indirect reference of land owners hindering the process of development, he said “The land holding system of the Nagas is different from others, but if we go ahead with such spirit of sacrifice (Phesama’s example) for the welfare of the people, development and progress and our dream to make Kohima a smart city is achievable.” Though, appreciating the village and department of Roads & Bridges for making the exit road a reality, Zeliang, however expressed concern over the degradation of the natural beauty. “Development is important but joint efforts should also be made by the department and villagers to regenerate the natural beauty of the area by planting trees of different species along the road sides,” he stated. On the day, the chief minister also reminded the Naga elders to shoulder the responsibility of leading the youths. “The youths should be guided to become progressive, constructive and creative and not destructive,” he remarked. On Naga political issue, Zeliang said “The Government of India has serious concern for the Naga people and therefore it (GoI) has recognized the uniqueness of Naga history.” “When others are serious about the Nagas, why should we take the back seat? Why don’t we come together to resolve the Naga political issue and take Nagas forward,” he added. Meanwhile, the chief minister also expressed his desire that nothing goes wrong during the 10-day Hornbill festival. Minister for Road & Bridges, Y. Vikheho Swu, Local MLA Vikho-o Yhoshüu and Angami Public Organisation president, Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi also delivered short speeches. The new exit road was dedicated by Rokovilie Zashümo, pastor, Phesama Baptist Church, while Himato Zhimomi, Commissioner & Secretary of Works and Housing Department chaired the programme.