Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) minister P Paiwang Konyak on Thursday touched on crucial issues concerning Eastern Nagaland– ENPO demand for separate ‘Statehood/Frontier Naga Territory’ as well as alleged disparity in job reservation where Konyaks despite being the most populous among eastern Nagas, remain the most backward.
Addressing the second day of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) at Mon on Thursday, Paiwang mentioned that since the elected members were aligned at the grassroots, Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union members had requested for working papers and assured a thorough examination, deliberation, consultation with the public for a referendum. He said the action would be determined through a collective decision.
Pointing out that state government had acknowledged the eastern region’s developmental disparities, he said it was an opportune moment to focus on sustainable growth. He stressed that prioritising institutions, economic development, infrastructure and employment in the region should be the collective goal.
Paiwang also cautioned Konyak youth on the disparities in distribution of reservation quota despite the Konyak population surpassing fellow eastern tribes, thereby making the Konyaks the most backward community.
The minister highlighted certain concerns that had adversely impacted the Konyaks over the past decade and a half.
Asserting that the celebration signified the jubilation and achievements of the past, he however stressed that one must be more resolute and prepared to stride forward, amending the mistakes of the past 74 years and aspiring to achieve what was deemed impossible.
Stressing that Mon district was located at an ideal geographical area, sharing borders with Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Paiwang observed that the area could be a potential tourist destination.
Keeping this mind, he mentioned that a helipad at Chen town was sanctioned in 2021, while Chenmoho primary health centre would be set up to cater to the needs of people in both sides of Indo-Myanmar border.
He also advocated adoption of new farming methods for sustainable growth without compromising on the environment. He said this could be extended to Tapi, Wakching, Phomching, Aboi, and Moka, contributing to the economy and creating employment opportunities.
Paiwang also reiterated the state government’s decision to designate foothill areas under the Nagaland Special Development Zone, terming it a positive step. He stressed that cadastral survey of land should be conducted to enable the citizens to secure bank loans and lease land to industrial companies for establishment of industries and mega projects.
Referring to the adoption of the Nagaland SARFAESI Act by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on November 26, 2021, the minister urged the youth to explore business opportunities, collaborate with investors and transform Nagaland from a salaried economy to a thriving business economy.
He opined that the available resources provided a significant advantage and that it was time to move beyond conventional white-collar jobs.
On delimitation of constituencies, Paiwang remarked that the ensuing exercise could result in the reduction of Assembly seats in Mon and other districts with disproportionate population-to-Assembly seat ratios. Hence, he said it was imperative to accurately enumerate all citizens, aligning with Aadhaar system, to ensure a correct population census.
Congratulating KSU on reaching the milestone of 75 years, he urged the union to draw inspiration from the wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm generated during the event, utilising and executing strategies to elevate and enhance the way of life, society and district.
The minister was accompanied by a host of MLAs from Mon district, while senior government officials, former KSU leaders and representatives of different organisations attended the programme.