Pohwang inaugurates Nagaland-Myanmar road

International trade road from Myanmar, connecting Longwa under Mon district, Nagaland via Lahe (Myanmar) was on Friday inaugurated at zero point Longwa by parliamentary secretary fire and emergency services and relief & rehabilitation Pohwang along with chairman Naga Self-Administrative Zone (NSAZ), Myanmar U Ru San Kyu. Stressing on peace and all round development, U Ru San Kyu said although Nagas were divided by an international border, they should work hand in hand based on mutual understanding and trust as Naga brothers. On road connectivity, he said the inauguration of the road was just the beginning and assured the people of completing the project by 2014 with better connectivity and sought cooperation from the people. According to U Ru San Kyu, the construction could not be launched during the military rule in Myanmar and hoped that development of the region would begin with the dawn of democracy in Myanmar. He also informed that various projects related to water supply, medical facilities, schools etc. for the Naga inhibited areas have been taken up with the Myanmar government and assured of implementing them very soon. Speaking at the inaugural function, Pohwang termed Friday’s event as significant and historic for this was the first time that the NSAZ chairman, who was equivalent to a chief minister in India visited Longwa from Myanmar. Stating that Nagas were living both in India and Myanmar, Pohwang said it was the dream and aspiration of the Nagas to have one homeland integrating all contiguous Naga areas under one administrative umbrella. He pointed out that despite various hurdles, the dreams of the Nagas could be achieved through better socio-economic and cultural exchanges, trade and commercial activities and political cooperation etc. This would also ensure faster development of Nagas and their lands, whether in India or Myanmar, said Pohwang. Expressing his view that the Nagas of Myanmar were relatively “more backward” as compared to the Nagas of India, the parliamentary secretary said the NPF-led DAN government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio has taken various steps and initiatives for improving the status and conditions of Nagas in Myanmar as well. Terming the International trade centre at Longwa as an orphan, he accused both the Indian and Myanmar governments of neglecting it. Pohwang  requested the NSAZ chairman to o take up the matter with his Nagaland counterpart as developing the centre would immensely benefit Nagas from both sides. Meanwhile, Longwa Village Council (LVC) submitted  representations to both the NSAZ chairman (Myanmar) and the parliamentary secretary related to International trade centre, up-gradation of medical sub-centre to primary health centre, allotment of fund for construction of village council office, water supply, road connectivity, construction of school at Longwa. The dignitaries who attended the inaugural programme from Myanmar  were U Myat Ko, rights committee Momber (M.P);  U Ei New Laing pu,  assistant director general administration department, Lahe township; U Poung Khu, member of union development party  (district level); U Wangmao, chairman of commission Lahe township; U Zaw thu Aung, PSO of NSAZ chairman; U Aung Zin Thaw, director of Sar yar May Yi  Company; U Ei Kie, teacher of children development centre Lahe and U Than Thae Oo, EO of Lahe  rownship. From the Indian side, Pohwang was accompanied by Paiwang, parliamentary secretary, Transport; Thongwang, chairman NKVIB; Angau I Thou, deputy commissioner; SP; Commandant 6th NAP; SDO (C) Phomching; SDO (Sadar) Mon; ADC planning and CDPO Phomching.Media agencies