Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 7 (EMN): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) and Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) for beautification of old Naga cemetery at NCD office in Dimapur on Monday.
During the interaction with journalists, NCD president Etsungmomo Kikon said that beautification of the old Naga cemetery at Lake View colony is one of the activities proposed to take up in commemoration of the platinum jubilee which will be celebrated in 2024.
Kikon informed that the old Naga cemetery was established in 1972, comprising 18 bighas, and since then NCD has been maintaining and safeguarding the cemetery in the larger interest of the citizens of Dimapur, irrespective of caste, tribe and religion.
Kikon said that many Naga pioneers and personalities had been laid to rest and their memories still stand. He added that being located at the centre of the city, ‘it is imperative and worthy to beautify and preserve it in order to honor and respect the departed beloved ones’.
Kikon informed that ASTD came forward with a proposal to take up the maintenance and preservation of the cemetery and convert it into a tourist attraction centre in remembrance of the departed souls.
He added that it is the duty and responsibility of society to maintain, preserve and safeguard the cemetery from encroachment and damages.
Kikon also mentioned that NCD and ASTD had a detailed discussion in this matter and formulated the necessary formalities for record including signing of MoU.
Kikon mentioned that a prayer service was also organised for the departed soul at the Naga old cemetery, on March 1, 2022 and launched the beautification works, which is now in full progress.
It was also informed that ASTD is now authorised for renovation and maintenance work of the cemetery for which ASTD has already set up a camp to coordinate with all concerned for proper execution of the work. NCD and ASTD also informed all deceased family members to visit the cemetery and identify the tombs for necessary renovations/ modifications if any for beautification.