Mon, July 6: The Centre has assured improved infrastructure, enhanced surveillance and faster development of villages along the India-Myanmar border after Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai reviewed the security situation in Nagaland’s border district of Mon on Saturday.
During his visit to Mon district and the strategic border village of Longwa, Rai said the concerns of border residents would be taken up with the concerned ministries, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to strengthening both security and development in frontier areas.
Accompanied by S. Phangnon Konyak and senior officers of the Assam Rifles, the minister reviewed operational deployments at Mon and Longwa, where he interacted with troops and praised their role in guarding the sensitive frontier against cross-border crimes, including narcotics trafficking, illegal movement and infiltration.
The highlight of the visit was Rai’s interaction with village elders and community leaders in Longwa, one of India’s best-known border villages where the international boundary passes through the settlement. Residents submitted memorandums outlining long-pending demands, including better road connectivity, improved healthcare services, reliable mobile network coverage, livelihood opportunities, educational facilities and effective implementation of Central welfare schemes.
Community representatives also sought a regulated mechanism for cross-border movement that preserves the traditional social and cultural ties of border communities while ensuring national security.
Responding to the demands, Rai assured the delegation that the Centre would pursue the issues with the relevant ministries and continue to prioritise the holistic development of border regions. He said the government, through the Vibrant Villages Programme, is working to provide better infrastructure and public services while further strengthening surveillance and security along the India-Myanmar border.
The minister also held discussions with the district administration, civil society organisations and village authorities on improving border management and accelerating development initiatives in remote frontier areas.
Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak stressed the need for closer coordination between the Centre, the Nagaland government and local institutions to address the unique challenges faced by communities living along the international border.
The visit concluded with Rai urging security forces to remain vigilant and appealing to local communities to continue supporting efforts to maintain peace, stability and security along the India-Myanmar frontier
