NES accuses government of 'lip service' to development

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, April 17: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) has accused the state government of giving only lip service and failing the community in various developmental fronts.

NES President Bengia Tolum in a statement today said that successive governments have denied the Nyishi community in all developmental fronts.

Referring to the proposal of the Nyishi Heritage Village at Yazali, which was sanctioned at Rs 2 crores in 2013, the NES President said that the project has remained in cold storage despite repeated representations to the government, including Deputy Chief Minister Chow Mein for early implementation.

Tolum also informed that the project was later shifted to Hoj after verifying its feasibility, but was halted after some alleged vested interest groups filed litigation against the project.

Reiterating its demand for early creation of Pakke-Kessang and Khamle districts, the NEs said, “There is no controversy in the boundary of proposed new districts as the entire ground work has been completed, and the government should expedite it.”

The apex organisation of the Nyishi community also alleged that though Chief Minister Pema Khandu had announced creation of Khamle district at Raga on the occasion of Golden Jubilee Boori Boot Yullo Celebration on February 5, 2017, nothing appears to be moving forward to make the district a reality.

The NES also requested the government to address long-pending demand of alterte road connectivity from Itagar-Tarasso-Seijosa and Bhalukpong without touching Assam, as it would serve as an escape route from Assam.

The society expressed resentment claiming that vital road connectivity is yet to find place in the developmental agenda of the government.

Also claiming that the Tali ADC headquarter, one of the oldest administrative headquarters established in 1957 is yet to be connected by road, the NES informed that a team of its members had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister for iuguration of Kumey bridge but added that the sincerity of the government is doubtful as the bridge is yet to be completed.

The Society also threatened to stir a democratic movement if the government fails to address their genuine demands, “We want action, not lip service” added the NES President.