MoS Defence inspects IMB-102, engages with CSOs
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, April 10 2025: On the second day of his two-day visit to Kamjong, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth conducted an inspection of the Indo-Myanmar Border pillar (IMB-102) and other facilities on Thursday.

He was accompanied by Kamjong deputy commissioner (DC) Rangnamai Rang Peter, Superintendent of Police Ningshem Vashum, Brigadier SM Sandeep Singh of the Somsai Sector; and the Commanding Officer of the 8 Assam Rifles, Colonel Sumit Acharya during the inspection.

Apart from inspecting the IMB-102, MoS Seth also toured several key facilities, including the newly constructed Kamjong Higher Secondary School, the recently opened District Hospital, and the District Mini Secretariat, which is currently under construction.

MoS Defence inspects IMB-102, engages with CSOs

Following the inspection, the MoS held an official conference at Kamjong SDO office with civil society organisations (CSOs) of the district, during which representatives of Zingsho Longphang, Aze Longphang, Raizan Long, Eastern Kuki Chiefs Association and others participated.

The CSO leaders raised various public grievances including scrapping of FMR and border fencing, incomplete infrastructures as well as nuisance caused by multiple Assam Rifles check posts in the border region.

The CSOs urged the visiting Union Minister to halt the ongoing fencing works in Naga-inhabited areas, asserting that the Nagas are not a nomadic tribe and should not be restricted by the artificial boundaries separating them from their kin across the borders.

During the meeting, the Union Minister received eight memorandums from the CSOs regarding the public issues.

On Wednesday, during a meeting with district-level officials (DLOs), representatives from 26 departments presented status reports via PowerPoint slides.

They highlighted various issues and challenges faced by their respective departments.

The MoS and the deputy commissioner commended the One-Stop Centre (OSC) for its significant contributions to the district, with the MoS also encouraging the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) cell of Kamjong district to maximise their outreach and services to beneficiaries.

In a motivational address, Seth remarked, "If you plant a tree, you plan a life," urging the forest department to take proactive steps in tree planting initiatives.

He lauded the revenue generated from forest resources in the state, stressing the importance of reserving forest land to conserve natural habitats.

Regarding the enrolment of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, the MoS noted that out of a population of 45,616 in Kamjong district (according to the SECC 2011), 30,670 beneficiaries were enrolled, representing 67.23 per cent.

He urged the Department of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) to aim for an 87 per cent coverage rate to ensure the programme meets its objectives.

Meanwhile, in view of the challenges faced in remote areas with poor network connectivity, the district administration committed to resolving the issues promptly with the assistance of telecom service providers (TSPs) and internet service providers (ISPs).

The district administration proposed development of a model town at K Ashang Khullen Aze (KAKA), with hopes that the initiative would bolster trade and commerce in the border villages.

Later, MoS Seth departed for Imphal around 12:30 pm from Sampui Ground, Kamjong.