The visit of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar to Mokokchung on November 19, 2024, was a significant moment for the district, marking only the second such engagement this year. Prior to 2024, the last visit by a Union Minister to Mokokchung was in 2019. Given Mokokchung’s infrequent encounters with Union ministers, this visit raised hopes and expectations, especially among stakeholders and local leaders who seized the opportunity to voice long-standing grievances and development needs.
While the visit was initially intended to review centrally sponsored schemes, its agenda evolved into a broader dialogue on Mokokchung’s unique challenges. Stakeholders presented an extensive list of concerns, ranging from infrastructure gaps to border issues, drawing attention to systemic neglect, whether perceived or real.
From the Ao Senden’s call to halt the India-Myanmar border fencing and the removal of AFSPA, to the Health Department’s plea for doctors and ambulances, the demands highlight a district striving to overcome neglect. Education woes, road conditions, and persistent power outages further paint a picture of stagnation.
The Minister’s assurances to convey these concerns to higher authorities are welcome, but the real test lies in translating this feedback into action. The slow pace of IMDH hospital construction – only 40% complete after six years – serves as a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promises. The district’s persistent water scarcity, inadequate road maintenance, and limited agricultural support only add to the sense of urgency.
This visit holds potential to pivot Mokokchung towards meaningful development, but its success will be measured by outcomes, not promises. Stakeholders have highlighted the path forward: enhanced investment, policy adjustments, and tailored solutions for the district’s unique needs.
For Mokokchung, this could either be a turning point or yet another forgotten chapter in the larger narrative of the Northeast’s underdevelopment. The clock is ticking for the Centre to demonstrate its commitment to equitable growth. Only time will reveal whether Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s visit was a red-letter day or a missed opportunity.
The onus now lies on both the government and local administration to ensure that the voices heard during this visit do not fade into bureaucratic oblivion. Mokokchung deserves more than mere visits by dignitaries, which are rare and far between; it deserves action.