The long-awaited Multipurpose Hall at Zunheboto was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio on 4 November 2022. The programme began with Dr. Hutton Sumi, Pastor Sümi Baptist Church Zunheboto (SBCZ) dedicating the hall to God with a prayer, followed by CM Nagaland unveiling the Monolith.
Rio while addressing the gathering at the inauguration program, said that Zunheboto is known as the land of warriors and now that the era of war is gone, he urged upon the people of Zunheboto to become warriors of peace. He said that earlier people used to be led by the saying ‘might is right’ but, with the coming of civilisation, the saying must be replaced by ‘right is might’.
Rio further said that Nagas should all do away with individualism, ‘villagism’ and tribalism and instead be patriotic and practise ‘Nagaism’.
He stated that even though the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Elections is approaching, the politicians have decided to put focus on resolving the Naga political issue first. Rio mentioned that the politicians have decided not to campaign for the upcoming elections.
In his address, the CM also encouraged the sportspersons of Zunheboto district to make the best use of the newly inaugurated multipurpose hall. He said that games and sports teach us discipline and team spirit.
CM later said, “It is a testimony of unity among the people and funds being properly utilised. I hope the new facility will be taken care of and used well for the common good.” in a tweet.
Among those present at the inaugural of the Zunheboto multipurpose hall were Minister of Agriculture, G. Kaito Aye, H. Khehovi Advisor Tourism, K.T Sukhalu Advisor School Education, MLA Y Vikheho Swu, and representatives of Sumi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU), and also district party officials of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Naga People’s Front (NPF).
KT Sukalu, Advisor School Education, while speaking at the function, informed that 2 crores were initially allocated for the hall out of which Rs. 60 lakh was spent on acquiring the land. He said that even though Rs. 60 lakh more was allotted towards the construction of the hall, the funds still fell short.
Sukhalu said that the CM allotted one crore more and that because of the CM’s generosity, the hall was finally completed.
In his speech, the Advisor announced that the land for the proposed cemetery in Zunheboto town had been purchased and urged upon the citizens to set up a committee to plan the burial in an orderly manner.
The cheque for the land was presented to I. Nikheto Jimomi, President Sümi Hoho, by the Chief Minister in the function.
He further appealed Rio if special attention can be given to the circuit house building if they get the chance to run the govt during the next tenure.
Kaito Aye, Minister for Agriculture, told the gathering that the Naga legislatures are united to address the Naga Political issue and called upon the people of Zunheboto to see this and acknowledge it.
I.Nikheto Jimomi, President Sümi Hoho, while delivering the welcome address lauded the CM for his initiatives in the district. He also provided some highlights of the devleopment works that took place under CM Rio, which included – purchases of land for Supply Godown costing 70 lakhs, land compensation at Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu costing 2.78 crores, Zunheboto town graveyard costing 66.78 lakhs, land extension for Zunheboto Government College costing 25 lakhs and Multipurpose Hall costing 60 lakhs besides other developments.
The Sumi Hoho President also mentioned it has been 50 years of Khelhoshe Polytechnic’s existence and urged upon the benign authority to take measures to introduce degree courses at KPA at the earliest time, if possible, even in the next academic session.
Khehoshe H Yeptho, president of NDPP Zunheboto Region and member of the construction committee, while presenting the multi propose hall report lamented that Zunheboto town in the past didn’t have a proper Town Hall and during Ahuna Festival 2018 under the DPDB Chairmanship of H Khehovi, Advisor Tourism, a proposal by the Sümi Hoho was put up. They appealed to the CM for allotment and construction of the same and the building had become a reality. He also lauded KT Sukhalu Advisor and the District legislatures for their unceasing participation.
He informed that the building was constructed under Directorate of Tribal Affairs with an amount of Rs. 3 crores by acquiring the land from Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto.
In the programme, the District Band Zunheboto presented a special number, and a special appearance was made by Naga Kheks on behalf of TAFMA District Partner Zunheboto.
The vote of thanks was said by Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, Pastor Zunheboto Town Sümi Baptist Church (ZTSBC).
