Kohima Bureau
Kohima, Jan. 11 (EMN): Close on the heels of the state government announcing the upgrade of Noklak sub-division to a full-fledged district, and the Rengmas’ demand for Tseminyu sub-division to be elevated to a district headquarter, people of Aboi under Mon district have started pressing the government for upgrade of Aboi to that of a district headquarter.s
In this regard, the public of Aboi under the aegis of Aboi District Demand Committee (ADCC) had organised a peaceful rally at ADC’s office compound on Jan. 10 wherein they threatened ‘bandh’, strike, and economic blockade unless its demand was fulfilled.
Addressing mediapersons on this issue at Kohima on Thu. ADCC working convenor, Konwang Konyak said the people of Aboi were not against anyone but that its demand was long overdue and genuine – citing high potential for expansion in the future and economic development for the people.
He said their quest for Aboi district started way in 2008 where they submitted two memorandums for upgrade of Aboi ADC HQs to district HQs dated May 5, 2017 and July 15, 2008 and No Objection Certificates (NOC) and supporting letters obtained from various organisations on June 27, 2017, which was made available to the mediapersons.
In its memorandum, the ADCC had stated that Aboi town “was the oldest town in Nagaland which was established on February 15, 1955 as base superintendent post”.
With growth and development over the years, the base superintendent post was upgraded to circle Officer Post in 1958; Extra Assistant Commissioner post on January 26, 1978; SDO (C) on January 26, 1981 and ADC headquarter on December 8, 1997.
Konyak maintained that Aboi Town was equipped with all the required facilities to be upgraded to a district headquarter as it has three administrative viz. Aboi ADC HQs, Chen EAC HQs, Longchang EAC HQs and Mopong EAC HQs with geographical viability, social and political affinities towards Aboi division.
He informed that there are 34 villages under Aboi division excluding the towns and unrecognised villages with three assembly constituencies, 11 polling stations and 10 departments which are functioning full-fledged and SBI, post office and tele-communication.
Highlighting a brief history on its demand, Konyak said in 1989, Aboi SDO (C) was just about to be inaugurated to ADC HQ when the NSCN (K) Konyak Region with the support of some Konyak legislators have forced Aboi public to sacrifice to Tobu at Hoyat Village (Myanmar) on May 12, 1989.
Documents made available have also the support extended by the Konyak Chang Khulei Setsha, Phom Peoples’ Council, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation and United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji.
Besides, supporting the demand of the people of Aboi, Mopong Circle comprising of seven villages, Konyak Union Unit and Mopong Jongkong Students’ Union has written a support letter dated September 3, 2008 addressed to the District Demand Steering Committee Aboi town.
While asserting its demand as ‘genuine and serious’, ADCC convenor, Konyak citing the above reasons said the whole of upper Konyaks are finding acute problem in reaching Mon town even for a minor work and as such it greatly hamper the economic life.
Hence, he said if a separate Aboi district is created, it will be of great beneficial for the whole upper Konyak and the administration will also be on sound footing with the rest of the state.
