Minister G Kaito Aye assures support for sports and infrastructure development in Satakha

The 17th edition of the Satakha Area Sports and Cultural Association (SASCA) observed the Ahuna-cum-Cultural Competition at Satakha Public Ground on November 13 with Minister of Roads and Bridges, Nagaland, G Kaito Aye, as the chief guest.

In his address, Aye greeted the Sümi community on the occasion of Ahuna Festival 2026 on behalf of the State Government. He said he had graced the SASCA occasion 16 times and noted that sports and cultural activities under SASCA had improved over the years. However, he urged the association and the people of Satakha to make greater efforts to compete with the rest of the Naga community.

Referring to the challenges faced by the people of Satakha due to prolonged insurgency in the past, Aye said Satakha still needs progress and advancement in socio-economic spheres, along with the rest of the Naga community. He stated that SASCA has improved with the involvement of the Kukamis and urged them to act as guardians of the people of Satakha.

Aye called upon the people of Satakha to promote a common sense of identity rather than remain divided by ranges or units. He said that if Satakha progresses, its people progress; and if the people progress, Satakha and the Sümi community progress. He urged the gathering to remain united, work with a common vision, and contribute to the progress of the wider Sümi community.

The Minister also informed that various projects related to sports and other infrastructure development are in the pipeline. He urged the people of Satakha to extend cooperation so that development reaches all sections at the grassroots level and the desired goals are achieved.

Expressing confidence in the support of the people of Satakha, Aye assured that he would continue to contribute his services to the best of his ability for the advancement of Satakha in all spheres. He urged the ‘Kükamis’ (Village Chief) and the people of Satakha to unite and cooperate for a better Satakha, and called upon the Kükamis to share responsibility, particularly in promoting culture.

With the vision of Khelo India, Aye expressed hope that Satakha would progress along with the rest of the country. He urged the people to grow together with a common vision and shared responsibility as one Satakha.

Aye said that, in the process of civilisation, the people of Satakha must compete with the rest of the community. He urged the organisers to provide equal opportunities to participants from every village under Satakha and to encourage sports and cultural competitions from the village level to the sub-division, district, and state levels.

He also suggested that, during the Ahuna festival, the traditional Sümi practice of preparing ‘Ahuna’ rice cooked in bamboo segments should be promoted and shared with participants. He assured his support for promoting Sümi culture and sports so that the community can compete with the rest of the Naga community.

Emphasising the preservation of the traditional village way of life, Aye encouraged the people to keep their villages clean and hygienic, promote civic sense, organise cleanliness drives, and act as responsible citizens by setting an example for the wider community.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Er Beto T Jimo, President of SASCA, in his presidential address, expressed gratitude to Minister G Kaito Aye for his sincerity, commitment, and contributions towards the Satakha constituency, particularly his selfless support to SASCA.

Jimo said that, for the first time, people from various ranges of Satakha constituency including Satoi Range, Langki Kiliki  Tokukujo and Satakha Area Sports and Cultural Association observed the Ahuna-cum-Cultural Festival together.

He said the joint celebration was in line with the Minister’s vision to unify the people of Satakha under a common goal, identity, and aspiration. He also highlighted the achievement of SASCA participating in various activities including district and state level.

Earlier the programme was chaired by Atoke Naga and Ilokali H Zhimomi with the invocation prayer led by Rev K Honito Sema, Pastor UBC Satakha. The vote of thanks was delivered by Hukuto Zhimo VP, STKK and benediction pronounced by Shenila Achumi, APW STBC. The cultural presentation was presented by Khukiye Lukhai; Satoi Tokukujo and Langki Kiliki Tokukujo respectively. The formal programme was followed by a series of cultural activities competitions.