MLA and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, Chairman of Urban Local Bodies and Village Council Committee, K Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Retd.) today graced the 40th General Conference of Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) held at Yezami village.

Recalling history, Sukhalu said that when Wokha was granted a Bench Court in 1941, Lt LL Hezukhu, Head GB of Sheyipu, initiated a move for Zunheboto to be declared an administrative centre. He noted that many had opposed Zunheboto as the Sumi headquarters due to its damp climate, scarcity of water and other challenges. However, elders from the Tizu area, including Lt Hezukhu and Lt Zhetoi (Sheyipu), Lt Luzukhu and Lt Nihoto (Baimho), Lt Nizikhu and Khuheto (Shotomi), Lt Hevikhe and Lt Suhoi (Nathami) and Lt Lhoxuvi (Lizu Naghuto, assured the Sub-Divisional Officer that any required land would be provided free of cost. Several water sources were also identified, leading to Zunheboto eventually becoming the headquarters of the Sumi community.

He further highlighted the establishment of education in the district, stating that a private high school was initiated by Lt Avito Kiba with the support of members including Lt Hoshikhe (Sukhalu), Lt Zhetoi GB Sheyipu, Lt Hetoi GB Sukhalu, Lt Luzukhu GB Baimho and Pukhato DB of Satakha. Leaders such as Lt Kuhoto Head GB of Ghukiye, Lt Ghokiye GB of Vishepu, Lt Tokiye GB of Ghukiye and Lt Zhevuxu GB of Zungti also came forward to jointly establish a high school at Zunheboto in 1949.

With the assistance of PF Adams, SDO Mokokchung, elders from Zunheboto and Satakha ranges jointly opened the school with Classes VII and VIII. The institution was maintained through public contributions before being taken over by the government in 1957, he further said.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Sukhalu said that today Zunheboto has a government college, government higher secondary school, high schools, both government and private, as well as middle and primary schools across villages. However, he questioned the district’s progress in terms of employment. He expressed concern over attendance of officers and staff and the functioning of offices and schools, while appreciating the education department’s initiative to monitor teachers’ attendance in government schools.

He advised the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) to conduct tours of both government and private schools to encourage students to pursue academics with diligence and sincerity. Addressing students, he said they are the future leaders of the community and the state.

Sukhalu also advised the incumbent office bearers to document details of all postgraduate, graduate and diploma holders, as well as government and private sector employees from the 17 villages of Zunheboto. He said such data would help assess the overall progress of the area.

Chairman of Zunheboto Tokujo Kükami, Akükau Khekuto Zhimomi, in his message highlighted that Zunheboto is the heart of the Sumi community and called for unity, forgiveness and collective effort to uphold the dignity of Zunheboto.

Earlier in the programme, S Chophy, chaired the programme with an invocation prayer by Khetoni Chophy of APY Lochomi Baptist Church. The presidential address was delivered by Viki K Zhimo, President of ZRSU. Cultural performances were presented by Yemishe Students’ Union, Natha New Students’ Union and Sheyipu Students’ Union. The programme concluded with cultural competitions.