Declare Kohima as cultural heritage site: Rio

Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged the Government of India to take up necessary measures to declare Kohima, the capital of Nagaland as India’s 25th World Cultural Heritage site.

Participating in the ongoing Parliament session’s budget discussion, Rio stated that the Battle of Kohima was a history changing event that changed the course of history for India and the world and also declared as the most significant battle victory for Great Britain.

Rio stated that more than 4000 British and Indian soldiers lost their lives in Kohima’s battle while the invading Japanese army lost more than 7000 lives. In view of Kohima’s significant role in modern history, Rio urged the Centre to declare the Kohima region as a World Cultural Heritage site, which would greatly boost tourism for the entire region.

 With regard to the Trans-Asian Highway, Rio objected to the re-alignment of the highway in the North Eastern region, he said that the original highway was supposed to be Guwahati to Imphal via Dimapur and Kohima. However, it has now been diverted through Silchar and Jiribam towards Imphal. 

Rio highlighted that even the ASEAN Car Rally had taken the original route going through Dimapur and Kohima. He said “we do not disagree of a highway going through Silchar and Jiribam but the original alignment of the highway passing through Dimapur and Kohima should not be avoided”.

Speaking on the agricultural potential of the region, Rio stated that this part of the Himalayan region is strong in agriculture with fertile soil and the added advantage of organic cultivation. He appreciated the emphasis on organic cultivation which has been stressed by the Prime Minister. 

 Rio welcomed the Government’s acceptance of the 14th Finance Commission’s recommendations especially regarding the devolution, that is, 42 percent of the receipts of taxes and duties to the States. He also welcomed the Finance Minister’s announcement that about 62 percent of the Central receipts would flow to the states in keeping with the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Rio objected to the complete delinking of central assistance for police modernization of the states especially the special category states and asked the Centre to revisit this decision as it would deprive the states of significant central assistance especially in the backdrop of the situation prevailing in the insurgency and militancy affected states. 

Rio welcomed the establishment of the MUDRA Bank while highlighting that the Credit Deposit ratio in Nagaland is very low and is below 40 percent and much below the minimum target of 60 percent whereas the national average is 76 percent.