S Supongmeren Jamir, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Nagaland, has placed two key appeals before the Union Government concerning the state’s development and connectivity needs.
Jamir pointed out the limited presence of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in Nagaland. While neighboring Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have expanded NABARD initiatives across wider areas, Nagaland remains largely uncovered. Of the 17 districts in the state, only five are currently covered through the Dimapur regional office, which is manned by around 15 staff. Four districts are managed by two Assistant General Managers without supporting staff, leaving 12 districts without proper NABARD establishments.
The MP has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to appoint the required staff and ensure that all districts of Nagaland are adequately covered under NABARD.
On the issue of connectivity, Jamir reiterated the long-standing demand for extending the BG Express (Train No. 15665) from Mariani Railway Station in Assam to Tuli Railway Station in Nagaland.
He noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had adopted a resolution on April 30, 2025, in this regard, which was conveyed by the State Transport Department to the General Manager (Construction), NEF Railway, Maligaon, Guwahati on May 14, 2025.
He stressed that the appeal is not for a new service but for the extension of an existing passenger train on a railway line that has already been constructed but remains unutilised. Jamir urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to consider the demand on priority, saying it would greatly benefit the people of Nagaland.
Expressing hope that the Centre will address both issues at the earliest, Jamir said the demands are crucial for balanced development and improved connectivity in Nagaland and the North East as a whole.
