The Nagaland govt has once again been cautioned against the proposed shifting of the present Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office from Dimapur to Chümoukedima village. 

Various organizations in Dimapur on Tuesday protested their objection to the proposed move through a joint representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on April 6.

It was appended by representatives of the Dimapur District Citizens Forum (DDCF), Sadar GB Union Dimapur, Dimapur Bar Association, Dimapur District GB Association, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur Urban Colony Chairman Federation (DUCCF), Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Dimapur District Village Council Chairman Association (DDVCA).

They reminded the government of the earlier representations on August 25, 2014 and June 5, 2015 expressing objections against any move to shift the DC office.  

“However, in spite of the various legitimate and logical reasons stated in our earlier representations, it is learnt that the Government of Nagaland is still in the process of shifting the DC office from the present strategic location to the new site,” the organizations stated.

In this regard, they claimed the 2014 and 2015 representations and stated that they have decided not to allow the shifting of the present office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur to Chümoukedima village “under any circumstances.”

They appealed to the State government to listen to the voice of the people and concede to the interest of the public.

“The government should also revoke the use of the word ‘Head Quarter: Chümoukedima’ in the official letter head of the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur,” they stated in the representation.

The organizations cautioned that in case the government continues to act against public interest, the citizens of Dimapur would “be compelled to take out democratic agitations to ensure that the interest of the public is safeguarded.”

In the meantime, in a separate press statement, the Central Naga Students Union (CNSA) also opposed the proposed move stating that a new district headquarter situated in a village land “will not be able to execute the duties and responsibilities of the District Administration as the Village council will dictate the terms of Governance in the District.”

Asserting the need for an able and ‘interference-free’ administration for growth and equitable development in the State, the CNSA stated that Dimapur district cannot function under Village Council.

The Association said that it would not tolerate any move by the government in shifting the DC’s office.