OCC, DUCCF oppose move to relocate Hindi Institute

The proposed relocation of the Government Hindi Institute at Oriental Colony, Dimapur has evoked strong opposition from the Oriental Colony Council (OCC) and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), with both organisations demanding immediate clarification and response from the state government.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, OCC chairman Imtikumzuk stated that the council recently learnt about the government’s plan to shift the institute. Upon verification through official correspondence, he said the information was confirmed.
The council chairman expressed concern that the relocation was being initiated without any valid reasons. He said a survey conducted by the council found no major issues with the institution. Questioning the rationale behind the move, Imtikumzuk asked “how will Dimapur sustain itself if important institutions continued to be shifted out of the district.”
OCC chairman said the council has also written to the principal secretary school education opposing the move. He highlighted that the Hindi Institute has been functioning smoothly since June 1985 without any law and order problems.
Imtikumzuk pointed out that the institute currently occupies around two and a half bighas of land, which he said was sufficient for expansion and upgradation.
OCC executive member T. Lotha also strongly opposed the move, reminding that the institution has been operational since 1968.
He criticised the government for considering relocation instead of upgrading the existing facility, despite acknowledging that the infrastructure was currently in poor condition.
Lotha further alleged that the relocation could be linked to plans to hand over the prime land to private parties.
He warned that if the government proceeded with the relocation, the Oriental Colony Council would convert the area into a youth centre. Meanwhile, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato expressed disappointment over the development, describing the institute as a historic institution that has served the people for over 50 years.
He questioned the lack of prior consultation and transparency in the decision-making process, claiming that even the District Education Officer (DEO) was unaware of the plan.
Zakiesato alleged that the institute was likely to be shifted to an interior area in Pherima and reiterated that there was no justification for relocation when sufficient land was available for expansion at the present site. DUCCF president has instead called for upgradation of the existing facility.
Reaffirming its support to the OCC, he affirmed that DUCCF would stand firmly against the relocation until clear and satisfactory reasons were provided.