Assam Legislative Assembly speaker Biswajit Daimary, deputy speaker Dr Numal Momin and four MLAs of Assam visited the Kachari Rajbari ruins near Circuit house Dimapur on Monday.
Later, speaking to Nagaland Post, Biswajit Daimary said a department of indigenous faith and culture was recently created in Assam to preserve and protect faith, culture and traditions of indigenous communities of the State. He added that the visit was part of a preliminary survey for various new schemes and initiatives to be taken up by the department created as per a cabinet decision in July this year.
The speaker claimed that the new department meant for promotion, formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for welfare and all-round development of the indigenous and tribal people of Assam would work towards facilitating further research and study in this aspect.
Terming the condition of ruins as “pathetic” and observing that the site was not properly maintained, the deputy speaker said Assam government would coordinate with Nagaland government and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for their proper upkeep.
ASI is involved in preservation, protection and maintenance of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites of the North-eastern region along with other parts of India.
Momin said unofficial talks had been held with the Nagaland government and more interactions would be held in the coming days regarding maintenance of the site, hoping that there would not be any objection.
Representatives from frontal organisations of Kachari, Dimasa and Mech were also present during the visit by Assam legislators.
Meanwhile, Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN) Dimapur adviser SK Khemprai told this reporter that the visiting team inspected the historical ruins of Kachari kingdom that were looked after by ASI.
He claimed that the team found lapses in maintenance and land encroachment at the sites.
Stating that the Kachari community held social activities at the site in July and August every year, Khemprai also lamented about lack of fund affecting maintenance work. He alleged the State government through deputy commissioner wanted to develop the site, but ASI did not give consent.
Pointing out lack of amenities at the site, he said the Kachari community were fortunate to receive two bighas of land near Science Centre here at the behest of chief minister Neiphiu Rio. Now, he mentioned that the community planned to construct an auditorium, offices for frontal organisations and guest house on the land.
Meanwhile. KTCN also submitted a representation to Assam speaker on issues of public interest like building of Kachari Bhawan at the community’s plot situated just adjacent to Kachari ruins for the benefit of all etc.