Kohima, Aug. 30: Nagaland governor Nikhil Kumar has stressed the need to strengthen the existing infrastructure of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, for the betterment of ex-servicemen.

Addressing the 18th annual meeting of the organisation at Raj Bhavan today, the governor said the state government, Centre and defence services need to ensure proper welfare of ex-servicemen, who have given their prime in defending the country as well as their widows and dependents.

Kumar said the state government should facilitate opportunities for Naga youth seeking job opportunities in defence services and paramilitary forces.

“The directorate of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, with Brig. K.K. Roy Choudhury as director, has taken up a number of important issues for the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows, their dependents and for Naga youth,” the governor said.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio in his address said Nagaland is still categorised as a disturbed area but unlike earlier times, the presence of the army and paramilitary forces is not seen as a threat but rather makes the people feel safe.

Rio said around 5,000 Naga youths had joined the army and the paramilitary forces recently. He said the government would give all possible support and further requested the paramilitary forces to provide security not only in Kohima and Dimapur but also in all the districts.

Home minister L. Imchen stressed the importance of the Rajya Sainik Board and the need to create awareness about it.

The participants also discussed construction of a sainik resthouse at Wokha, setting up a vocational training centre at the directorate’s office in Kohima, enhancement of World War II veterans’ grant and employment in the state government/public sector in the state.

Other issues discussed include a polyclinic under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, setting up of houses under the Army Welfare Housing Organisation.

Several top army officials and civil officers attended the programme.

and Jai Jawan Awas, issue of smart cards for purchase of items from army canteens, establishment of a helpline and computerisation, the state-level ex-servicemen rally, setting up of district sainik resthouses and zila Sainik Board offices and upgrading/opening of a welfare cell in all district headquarters.