Nagaland: Sukhalu graces ZRSU conference; calls for academic sincerity

Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, and chairman of Urban Local Bodies and Village Council Committee, K Tokugha Sukhalu graced the 40th general conference of the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) at Yezami village on Wednesday as chief guest.
Recalling the historical roots of Zunheboto, K Tokugha Sukhalu, narrated how the district came to be established as the headquarters of the Sumi community.
He said when Wokha was granted a Bench Court in 1941, late L.L. Hezukhu, Head GB of Sheyipu, initiated the move for Zunheboto to be declared an administrative centre. Though many opposed the proposal citing damp climate, scarcity of water and other challenges, elders from the Tizu area including late Hezukhu and late Zhetoi (Sheyipu), late Luzukhu and late Nihoto (Baimho), late Nizikhu and Khuheto (Shotomi), late Hevikhe and late Suhoi (Nathami), and late Lhoxuvi (Lizu Naghuto), assured the Sub-Divisional Officer that land would be provided free of cost. Several water sources were also identified, leading to Zunheboto eventually becoming the Sumi headquarters.
Sukhalu also highlighted the establishment of education in the district, noting that a private high school was initiated in 1949 by late Avito Kiba with the support of elders including late Hoshikhe (Sukhalu), late Zhetoi GB (Sheyipu), late Hetoi GB (Sukhalu), late Luzukhu GB (Baimho) and Pukhato DB (Satakha). Leaders such as late Kuhoto Head GB (Ghukiye), late Ghokiye GB (Vishepu), late Tokiye GB (Ghukiye) and late Zhevuxu GB (Zungti) also came forward to jointly establish the high school, which later became a cornerstone of education in Zunheboto. With assistance from P.F. Adams, SDO Mokokchung, the school began with Classes VII and VIII and was sustained through public contributions until taken over by the government in 1957.
He noted that Zunheboto today has a government college, higher secondary school, and several high schools, both government and private, besides middle and primary schools across villages. However, he expressed concern over employment opportunities and the functioning of offices and schools, while appreciating the education department’s initiative to monitor teachers’ attendance.
Advising ZRSU to conduct tours of schools to encourage students, Sukhalu reminded that students are the future leaders of the community and the state. He further urged the office bearers to document details of all postgraduate, graduate and diploma holders, as well as employees from the 17 villages of Zunheboto, to assess the district’s progress.
Delivering greetings, chairman of Zunheboto Tokujo Kükami, Akükau Khekuto Zhimomi, described Zunheboto as the heart of the Sumi community and called for unity, forgiveness and collective effort to uphold its dignity.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Ito S. Chophy with invocation by Khetoni Chophy of APY Lochomi Baptist Church. The presidential address was delivered by Viki K. Zhimo, president of ZRSU. Cultural presentations were made by Yemishe Students’ Union, Natha New Students’ Union and Sheyipu Students’ Union, followed by cultural competitions.