Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang on Monday inaugurated the upgraded SDO (Civil) Hq Ahthibung and said that long cherish dream of the people of Athibung area has turned into a reality.
In his speech through CMO media cell, Zeliang said that the demand of the NGOs including GB federation, Kuki Inpi and Students’ body for upgrading EAC Hq to SDO (Civil) Hq has been transformed into reality.
He said under Athibung Circle there are about seven government establishments: CDPO, BDO PWD (JE), Power (JE), PHC, Deputy Forest Ranger and Veterinary Field Assistant Office, and all these offices will upgraded in due course of time.
Zeliang pointed out that since Ahthibung shares borders with Intanki Reserve Forest and has vast biodiversity and rich wildlife, “people should be conscious of the preservation of flora and fauna with the principle of benefits without destruction”.
He also pointed out that this resource has an immense potential to boast tourism in the state if people take responsibly to protect wildlife.
The chief minister also added that Athibung area was blessed with fertile land with beautiful streams and rivers and that it has the potential of producing agricultural products on large scale for commercial purpose. However, he said to achieve, people must be willing to work hard and judiciously make of the God blessed land for economic sufficiency. He further said that Athibung also shares border with the neighbouring state Assam, the area has the potential to become hub of inter-state connectivity in future.
Zeliang also expressed confident that inter-state connectivity will not be problem in near future as the two lane Medziphema-Khelma road under State Express Highway will be taken up shortly. “Once this road is upgraded and improved, it can be directly link with Assam. Once the roads come up, people must be prepared to make of it through proper planning for economic upliftment. Besides this, Athibung-Khelma 2 Lane road under SARDP has been approved and DPR is under submission, he added.
Meanwhile, he appealed to all the people, especially the landowners to cooperate and part with their land generously whenever required.
Maintaining that Athibung area has mixed populations, the chief minister said peaceful coexistence amongst the two tribes-Zeliang and Kuki, was a pre-condition to any development. Amongst others, ministers G.Kaito Aye and Imkong L. Imchen spoke during the functions.