DIMAPUR:
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on March 4 formally inaugurated the 16th district of Nagaland carved out of Tuensang district.
In his address, Rio suggested that Shamator district be called “brotherhood district” even though its creation faced some complications.
Appreciating the leaders for coming together and working out the differences, he urged the gathering to put behind the past misunderstandings and to reconcile and coexist peacefully.
Stating that to move forward, top priority should be given to better road connectivity, Rio highlighted the road projects underway in the district under PMGSY and the two-laning of NH-202.
He said a proposal called Trans-National Highway, connecting Showuba, Dimapur to Pangsha, Noklak via Chessore and Shamator, has been forwarded to the central government. He added that a cooperative bank will be set up at Chessore.
With the district having tourism potential, Rio urged the people to come up with a tourist map.
He called upon the gathering to maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment for the society to move forward. He also urged them to do away with land disputes, and instead provide land to the government for development purposes.
On the same day, Rio also laid the foundation stone of the DC complex and Village Guards Training Centre at Shamator.
Meanwhile, host of the inaugural programme and adviser to information and public relations S Keoshu Yimkhiung urged the people to coexist peacefully with everyone for mutual benefit. He added that society will move forward when peace exists.
Tuensang deputy commissioner Kumar Ramnikant assured of the support and cooperation of the people of Tuensang to Shamator district adding that Tuensang will be like a parent to Shamator district.
Shamator deputy commissioner Thsüvisie Phoji gave a brief profile of Shamator district. The new district has a population of 34,223 (2011 census) and a literacy rate of 68.79%.
Performances by various cultural troupes and special numbers marked the occasion.