Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, held a comprehensive interactive session with the District Machinery and Local Communities of Mokokchung district at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall. The program, attended by representatives from 54 departments and civil organizations, saw 15 departments present their issues, challenges, and proposals. The event was chaired by Thsuvisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung.
In his welcome address, the Ao Senden President, Marsanen Imsong, outlined pressing concerns, including the ongoing border dispute with Assam, the partial application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), and the district’s acute scarcity of drinking water. He urged the Union Minister to intervene in resolving the border issue amicably and to abolish AFSPA entirely in Mokokchung, a peaceful district undeserving of its classification as a disturbed area.
The President also emphasized the need for immediate measures to address the water crisis in the district and appealed for the Minister’s assistance in influencing concerned authorities.
The Ao Senden highlighted concerns regarding the encroachment of Kangtsung Village’s traditional land by Assam. It was revealed that the Union Ministry of Forest & Climate Change had approved the diversion of 28 hectares of forest land for constructing an Assam Police Commando Battalion camp at “Suptsuyong Lu.” However, Assam has begun construction, claiming the land is part of Geleky Reserve Forest under Sivasagar district. Ao Senden urged the withdrawal of this approval and demanded Assam vacate the encroached land.
Several departments addressed various issues and challenges during the meeting, while also proposing effective methods and solutions.
The Health and Family Department, Mokokchung, reported that out of 15 primary health centers in the district, only seven have sufficient doctors. It highlighted the urgent need to replace outdated ambulances provided in the 1990s and improve medical infrastructure.
The District Education Office (DEO), Mokokchung, raised concerns over a residential hostel for girls inaugurated virtually by the President of India in 2022, which was rendered unusable after a landslide. They urged the ministry to address the structural damages promptly to ensure its utility.
The Agriculture Department noted that while there are around 15,000 PM-Kisan beneficiaries in the district, they aim to increase this to 20,000. They also suggested modifications to PMKSY guidelines, which are not fully compatible with the unique agricultural landscape of Nagaland as compared to the mainland India, to enhance irrigation facilities and infrastructure.
The Principal of ITI Mokokchung emphasized the need to promote a wider range of trades, pointing out that the district has only one vocational institute. Highlighting Mokokchung’s leadership in education, he noted the pressing challenge of thousands of unemployed youth in the region. He stated that the Nagas possess world-class talent, and urged the Ministry to prioritize skill development by investing in well-equipped workshops. He concluded that real progress in the state can only be achieved through such measures.
The Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) highlighted that, in Mokokchung district, only 37% of the 1,700 kilometers of roads are black-topped. He further stated that the department typically receives minimal funds for road maintenance, which are insufficient to meet the requirements. To address this issue, he proposed the creation of a special fund dedicated to the maintenance of already constructed and existing roads across Nagaland.
The Power Department presented the condition of Mokokchung’s power station, which serves the entire town. The department has already submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) which is yet to be accorded and urged the ministry to expedite approval.
The Social Welfare Department brought up issues surrounding the Old Pension Scheme, while emphasizing that it is a policy matter requiring further review by the central authorities.
Dr. Sentitula, Divisional Forest Officer of Mokokchung, highlighted that the district shares its border with Assam through several reserve forests, including Geleky, Tiru, Desoi, and Dessoi Valley Reserve Forests, covering a total area of approximately 32,026 hectares. Of this, about 22,651 hectares fall under Mokokchung district’s jurisdiction. She noted that various projects in the area have been granted forest, wildlife, and environmental clearances by Assam under the pretext of forest maintenance. Dr. Sentitula emphasized that any forest maintenance activities within Mokokchung’s jurisdiction must be verified by the Nagaland Forest Department until a final settlement is reached between the two states.
The Horticulture Department requested upgraded infrastructure and highlighted the absence of cold storage facilities in Mokokchung, which severely impacts the storage and distribution.
Representatives from the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) apprised the minister about the importance and need for setting up a Music Academy in the district, and also the need of an electric crematorium in the town.
President, Watsu Mungdang, highlighted the poor condition of circular roads in and around Mokokchung town and those in the rural areas. The Watsu President also mentioned the need of a proper place in the town, especially for the women vegetable vendors.
Various departments were given the opportunity to document their issues and challenges and submit them for consideration. The Union Minister, while inquiring about the problems being faced in the government sector, urged the other departments to put forward their grievances.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar acknowledged the various issues and challenges presented, assuring all stakeholders that he would convey their concerns to the relevant ministries. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring these issues are addressed.
The meeting concluded with remarks from the Chairperson, Thsuvisie Phoji.
Following the meeting, the Union Minister visited the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) for inspection of a centrally sponsored project building to assess the healthcare infrastructure and interacted with the staff.
