MLA Achumbemo Kikon says state forces must act within parameters of established agreement on border issues

The monthly meeting of the SDPDB Bhandari was held on 4 September 2024 at the Conference Hall of the Summer House-Cum-Guest House, Bhandari. MLA and Chairman of SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, who convened the meeting, welcomed the ADC Bhandari, Longasen Lotha, SDO (C) Arhomo Yanthan, and other officers newly posted to Bhandari.

ADC and Vice Chairman of SDPDB Bhandari, Longasen Lotha, who chaired the meeting, reviewed the minutes from the last meeting. Setting the tone for the day’s agenda, MLA and Chairman Kikon stated that the CRPF stationed within the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB) are expected to look after the security of the people impartially, without favoring any particular state.

He expressed his objection to the fact that, despite the established agreement from 1972, the Assam Police had erected barricades manned by some CRPF personnel. The house strongly protested this issue, demanding the removal of these barricades and cessation of frisking of local commuters. Kikon urged the border Magistrates of Merapani and Uriamghat to ensure neutrality on both sides of the state border and reiterated that the Assam Police barricades should be removed promptly as state forces must act within the parameters of the established agreement.

During the deliberations, the house resolved that Bhandari sub-division, a major fish farming area supplying Wokha district and beyond, currently lacking a Fishery department, should have a Sub-Divisional Fishery Office created.

Regarding the ongoing PMGSY Road L-025 to Sungha village, the Chairman stated that he would convene a meeting with the concerned department and contractors to ensure work quality and timely completion. He also urged the PWD R&B to expedite the survey work along the Foothill road to finalize the DPR and commence work according to the timeline.

On the issue of revenue collection under the power department, the house emphasized the need to sensitize the public about the disadvantages of the Single Point Metering (SPM) system under the communitization program, as it deters revenue collection. JE Power, Bhandari, highlighted the need for additional transformers and linesmen and stressed the importance of a streamlined and systematic billing system for the sub-division. The house also prioritized the installation of a 1.6 MVA Power Transformer in Merapani, stating that it has long been needed.

In reviewing the works carried out in the aspirational bloc of Yanmhon village, CDPO Bhandari reported on the Phoshan months, which included the upgrading and construction of Anganwadi centers in selected villages. The Chief Medical Officer of CHC Bhandari reported on the generation of health care cards under the CMHIS scheme, village health nutrition days conducted on alternate months, and beneficiary identification drives by health care workers.

The Agricultural Department informed that livestock, such as piglets, were distributed to villagers under the rain-fed area development initiative. The Chairman reiterated that while education, health, and road sectors remain the main focus for development, all departmental officers should use the funds allotted to them wisely. On the same day, Achumbemo Kikon also inaugurated the Government Primary School (GPS) at Mongphio Village, constructed under Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland.

MT