Imkong L. Imchen, Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, virtually inaugurated the newly constructed District Public Relations Offices (DPROs) in Longleng and Zunheboto, and an Assistant Public Relations Office (APRO) in Pungro during a programme held at the DPRO office in Mokokchung on May 31.
Constructed under the State Plan with a total allocation of ₹270 lakh, the new office buildings include the DPRO Zunheboto (₹70 lakh), DPRO Longleng (₹140 lakh), and APRO Pungro (₹60 lakh). Officials confirmed that all three projects have been completed in full with no outstanding debts or liabilities.
The inauguration programme was chaired by Asangla Imsong, Joint Director of IPR, and commenced with a dedicatory prayer led by Yanglo, Pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo. A welcome address was delivered by Chumlamo Humtsoe, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung.
Speaking on the occasion, Imkong Imchen underlined the crucial role of public relations at the district level in ensuring effective governance and prompt dissemination of government policies and initiatives. He urged IPR officers and staff to work with dedication and integrity for the betterment of the department and the people of Nagaland.
Imchen also expressed regret for not being able to physically inaugurate the buildings due to his directive for the successful conduct of the Tiranga Yatra, held the same day in Mokokchung. The event, jointly organized by the NDPP and BJP, saw wide public participation and was referred to by the Advisor as a demonstration of strong political collaboration post-Operation Sindoor.
Touching on political matters, Imchen emphasized the importance of continued harmonious cooperation between the NDPP and BJP, describing the latter as a reliable ally. He noted that coalition politics is now a permanent feature in the state and encouraged both parties to maintain their working relationship for effective governance.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, the Advisor acknowledged the bureaucratic hurdles that often delay project implementation and warned that such delays could compromise the quality of work. He instructed district officers and contractors to complete all pending works within the current financial year to avoid cost escalations.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
On departmental policies, Imchen announced that IPR offices across districts would be acquired in accordance with state guidelines, and reiterated his commitment to ensuring quality and accountability in government projects.
Director of IPR, Dzuvinuo Theünuo, in her address, highlighted the evolving responsibilities of the department in the digital age, especially in combating misinformation on social media. She stressed the need for district offices and officers to remain constantly available and to remain proactive, stating, “Holidays are not our thing; officers must be always online to support district administration.”
Theünuo referred to the IPR Department as a vital communications arm of the government and praised Advisor Imchen’s leadership for bringing innovation and modernization—such as multimedia mobile vehicles—to the field. She added that the department is currently working on deploying adequate manpower to ensure optimal functioning across districts and also called for closer coordination between district offices and local press clubs.
Brief presentations on the infrastructure and features of the newly inaugurated offices were delivered by Sentsuthung, DPRO Zunheboto, and Ayong Phom, DPRO Longleng.
