Nagaland deputy chief minister TR Zeliang has stated that fencing was not necessary in Naga-occupied areas along the India-Myanmar international border. TR Zeliang said this while responding to queries by media persons on the abrogation of Free Movement Regime by the Central government, on the sidelines of the 75th Republic Day function at DDSC complex Dimapur, Friday.
Zeliang, who is also in charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highways departments, acknowledged the need for enhanced border security or fencing in certain areas such as Manipur owing to influx of illegal immigrants.
He, however, emphasized that erecting border fencing in places like Nagaland or Mizoram, where communities reside on both sides, could lead to unnecessary separation. He asserted that fencing was not necessary in Naga-occupied areas.
When asked whether Article 371 (A) was a hindrance to progress and development in the state, Zeliang pointed out instances where some individuals misused its benefits, particularly in road development projects. He cited examples of road construction being hindered by individual interference under the pretext of Article 371 (A).
While asserting that the state government was ready to pay land compensation and damage compensation, he, however, said that some individuals created their own rates and demand, citing Article 371 (A).
Regarding the progress of National Highway 129 (A), Zeliang disclosed that while Package-I was nearly complete, there were complications in the town portion due to issues of compensation.
However, he assured that the problems had been resolved, and the town area would be completed by the year-end.
Regarding Package 2, he mentioned about anomalies stemming from a terminated contract due to fake documents. He stated that a new tender was processed and the new contractor had already commenced the work.
For Package 3, he stated that construction was in full swing, while the tender process was recently concluded for Package 4. He said the road would be connected to Dimapur within two years’ time.
Asked whether the state government would be able to terminate all government employees who had joined the service through “backdoor” as notified by the government, the deputy CM affirmed that any illegal appointments detected by the government, regardless of department or political influence, would result in termination.
Responding to queries on the ongoing “Nagaki City” development, he revealed that the proposal had been submitted, and the matter was currently under consideration by the 15th Finance Commission.