KU sees growth hope for remote Longwa in Rio’s adoption

Dimapur, October 30 : The Konyak Union has expressed optimism that the recent adoption of Longwa village, in Mon district, by Loka Sabha member Neiphiu Rio would see changes in the socio-cultural and economic conditions of the remote village. The Konyak Union issued a press release on Sunday expressing appreciation to Member of Parliament Niephieu Rio and to the governor of Nagaland PB Acharya for adopting Longwa village as an ‘MP model village’ under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna (SAGY). The Indo-Myanmar international border passes through the village itself. According to the organization, Longwa village was once declared an international trade centre (ITC) between India and Myanmar. However, there has been no investment or development so far on the so-called ITC. The Konyak Union queried the state’s government why the ITC project at Longwa was left unattended “with just a glimpse of a torn tin roof.” The group has appealed for ‘immediate commencement’ of work. “Today, the adoption of Longwa village as Adarsh Gram or a model village had been considered as a rightful initiative in promoting cultural ties and tourism in the region. Longwa village is also a unique amongst all other Indian villages needs special attention and investment from both the state and the central government,” the union said. “Only through efficient investment, the proposed ITC project can be materialized. Such venture would clearly mark its concept upon the Look / Act East policy of the central government.” The union also referred to the objectives of said scheme. It aims at “holistic development” of identified villages in all aspects—personal, human, social, economy and environmental development as well as provision of basic amenities and services, social security and good governance. The organization also sought that schools in Longwa be “felicitated with smart schools, pucca houses for the homeless, universal access to basic health facilities, universal PDS for eligible families, e-governance, etc.”