HOME DEPTT CLARIFIES; CSOS DEMAND WRITTEN ASSURANCE
Against the backdrop of opposition from Dimapur-based CSOs to the proposed shifting of the office of deputy commissioner Dimapur from its present location to the new complex at Chümoukedima, the state government has virtually ceded to the demand when it was decided to withdraw the proposal.
This was made known on Twitter by PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi. The minister tweeted that he had “met the CSOs of Dimapur district & discussed about the issues in the district. I am thankful to them for understanding d govt. Assured to them that DC HQ will be at Dmp. So the matter is laid to rest.”
Civil Society Organisations’ (CSOs) Core Committee Against Shifting of DC’s Office, also confirmed the conclusion of the meeting. In a press release the core committee’s office acknowledged the affirmative response of the minister in the larger interest of the people.
However, the committee reiterated that until the State government responded and notified to the CSO Core Committee in writing, the protest against shifting of the DC office will continue indefinitely.
According to the Core Committee, they held a meeting with the PHED minister at his residence on Wednesday on the issue of shifting of the DC office. The Core Committee members expressed discontentment at the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the present dispensation in addressing the rights and demands of the people of Dimapur.
They clarified that the demands made in the memorandum and ultimatum were not against any particular community or place, but only insisted that the DC office should not be shifted elsewhere in any manner.
They also conveyed to the minister that any commitment or assurance made by or on behalf of the government should be in the form of an official notification. They also demanded rescinding of the earlier impugned notification (no. GAB-8/DMP/63/2100(Pt)/249, dated 07.09.2021) issued by the principal secretary (home) for shifting Office of the ADC, election, disaster management and other branch offices. CSOs said that Jacob had informed them that the government had never intended to shift the DC office anywhere else from the present location.