DIMAPUR: A pre-Ahuna festival organised by Unify Cluster Level Federation (CLF) was celebrated at Old Showuba Public Ground under Kuhoboto sub-division on November 12, 2026, under the theme “From Her Roots, a Nation Grows,”according to a press release. Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of Nagaland, Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), graced the occasion as guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, District Programme Manager (DPM), Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Rural Development Department, M. Yimok Phom, highlighted the growth and achievements of Unify CLF since its establishment in 2015–16, when Kuhoboto was brought under the NSRLM block.
She informed that Unify CLF was the first among the 78 CLFs in Nagaland and had grown from humble beginnings to encompass 38 Village Level Organisations (VLOs) and 201 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), covering more than 2,000 households across Kuhoboto block.
She encouraged SHGs to prioritise self-reliance as the foundation for uplifting others and stressed the need for greater efficiency, accountability and transparency in the functioning of the SHG network.
In his address, Zhaleo Rio appreciated Unify CLF and the DPM, NSRLM, for organising the programme and lauded the federation for extending loans at low interest rates to emerging SHGs and aspiring entrepreneurs, thereby promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment at the grassroots level. Highlighting the role of women in shaping Naga society, the Advisor stressed that women’s empowerment and active participation in decision-making were essential for meaningful social transformation. He observed that women, when entrusted with responsibilities, had consistently demonstrated their ability to perform effectively across various sectors.
Referring to the increased representation of women in urban local bodies following the 2024 Nagaland Municipal Elections, he stated that approximately 35–36% of seats in ULBs were now held by women, marking a significant step towards inclusive governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
Describing the occasion as an Ahuna celebration with a difference, Zhaleo appreciated the women for independently taking the initiative to organise and host the programme, demonstrating their confidence, leadership and growing capacity to lead community-based initiatives.
He also called upon the people to use the spirit and significance of the Ahuna festival as an opportunity to resolve differences, strengthen mutual understanding and promote peace, unity and reconciliation among communities.
The programme culminated with Zhaleo Rio distributing Community Investment Fund (CIF) and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) loans to 12 aspiring SHGs and individual entrepreneurs to promote livelihood activities, entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
