Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday stressed on the need for Nagas to be united and live in peace for the overall development of Nagaland.
Rio made the appeal while addressing a mammoth gathering during the inaugural function of the New Administrative Complex of the Pughoboto sub-division in the Zunheboto district.
Asserting that the policy of the government led by the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) is “peace for development and development for peace,” he said, peace is a prerequisite for the all-round development of the state.
“The present government in the state is opposition-less and therefore all the assembly constituencies should also maintain the opposition-less policy and work together for development and progress along with the sitting legislators,” Rio said.
Noting his declaration of Zunheboto as the ‘Land of Warriors’, he called upon the people of the district to be the “warriors of peace” for the Nagas and support the government in making Nagaland a developed state with the rest of the country.
Rio also called upon the land owners of the area, not to create any hindrance in the developmental initiatives of the government but to be willing to part with the land for the benefit of the sub-division.
Maintaining that the sub-division has been neglected in the past, he asserted that the government would make all efforts to bring it at par with the rest of the state. “Government establishments are slowly coming into the sub-division to fulfil the demand of the public for development and progress,” he said.
Rio unveiled the monolith of additional deputy commissioner, marking the opening of new government offices for the sub-division and also inaugurated the SBI’s Pughoboto branch and GB’s customary court under the aegis of Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho (SAKH).
Rio also inaugurated the office of E.E PWD (R&B), Functional Manager Sub-DIC and Assistant Public Relation office while other departments are also expected to relocate their
offices to the new complex, making it a hub of administrative activity. Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye urged people to take care of the government properties established for the progress of the sub-division.
Pughoboto legislator Dr. Sukhato A Sema lauded chief minister Neiphiu Rio, stating that under his dynamic leadership the state was witnessing the benefits of good governance. Dr. Sukhato expressed confidence in the chief minister and extended appreciation to deputy CMs, cabinet ministers, advisors, MLAs, and bureaucrats for their timely intervention, particularly in the payment of land compensation to donors from Mishilimi Village and Lazami.
He highlighted that the inauguration of the New Administrative Complex holds significance, as it would not only serve the general public but also enhance the structure and predictability of government functioning, ensuring stability. He also lauded the opening of a SBI branch in Pughoboto, which he said would provide much-needed accessible banking services and boost the local economy.
Dr. Sukhato assured the people of Pughoboto that they would soon benefit from the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme (PMEGS) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, further contributing to the region’s economic development.
Meanwhile, advocate Joshua Sheqi has submitted a representation to the chief minister, requesting key administrative upgrades and developments for the Pughoboto Subdivision. They included– Upgradation of EAC Ghathashi to SDO (C); and creation of EAC headquarters for KT area at Chisholimi village and for Asukiqa area at Asukiqa town; establishment of sub-treasury office at Pughoboto town; establishment of full-fledged Pughoboto Town Council and establishment of RD block, Asukiqa to serve the people of Puhukito and Asukiqa areas.
The people of the area acknowledged the presence of CM with four Mithuns, the state animal. They also felicitated Kaito Aye with a Mithun and the accompanying ministers and legislators with local cocks and hand-woven Sumi traditional bags.
On the occasion, Rio also released ‘The Image’, a booklet compiled by Dr Sukhato A Sema, Ngukato K Tsuipu and Bovito Kiho.
Host of legislators, officials, civil society organisations and public of Pughoboto subdivision attended the programme.
Earlier, the programme started with the dedicatory prayer by executive secretary NCRC Sumi, Pughoboto, Rev. Vitoka Kinimi.
Short speeches were also delivered by Commissioner Nagaland, K.S. Anden Konyak, former Minister Y. Vikheho Swu, and president Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu GihukaZhimo.
The inauguration was commemorated with traditional folk dance by Ghokimi village and traditional song by Lazami village. Other highlights of the event included special songs by ‘Mughami Melos’ and traditional welcome of the special guest called ‘Sasuvi’, by Mishilimi village.