Kohima: Nagaland parliamentary secretary for fire and emergency services and Pohwang has inaugurated the International trade road from Myanmar, connecting Longwa under Mon district of Nagaland via Lahe in Myanmar at zero point Longwa along with Chairman Naga Self-Administrative Zone (NSAZ), Myanmar U Ru San Kyu.
According to sources today Speaking at the inaugural function, Pohwang termed yesterday’s event as significant and historic as 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, Mr Pohwang said it was the dream and aspiration of the Nagas to have one homeland integrating all contiguous Naga areas under one administrative umbrella.
Expressing his view that the Nagas of Myanmar were relatively ‘more backward’ as compared to the Nagas of India, he said the Naga Peoples Front-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland 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.
Stressing on peace and all round development, Mr 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.
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.
He said 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 and schools for the Naga inhibited areas have been taken up with the Myanmar government and assured of implementing them very soon. (UNI)