Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially inaugurated the New Administrative Complex at Pughoboto, in the presence of Minister for Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye, Minister for Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, Sumi Legislators, Advisors, MLAs and a host of senior government officials on 16th October, 2024.

In concurrence with the New Administrative Complex, the Office of E.E PWD (R&B), Functional Manager Sub-DIC and Assistant Public Relation Office were inaugurated by the Chief Minister while other departments are also expected to relocate their offices to the new complex, making it a hub of administrative activity.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the first ever branch of State Bank of India (SBI) for the subdivision at Pughoboto Town and the GB’s Customary Court under the aegis of the Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho (SAKH).

In his speech, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appreciated the Administration and the public of Pughoboto for showing resilience and sincere dedication towards development of the region. He highlighted the historical importance of Pughoboto region and the Sumi Aphuyemis which has pioneered and produced exemplary leadership and achievements in the state and urged the youth of the region to follow suit. He encouraged the officials in the Subdivision to proactively participate and impart acquired knowledge and skills with the community and stressed on the importance of cooperation and support between public officials and the public to achieve overall development.

The Chief Minister also encouraged the young folk to pursue government services through the various State Examinations and Interviews and to also seek entrepreneurial opportunities through the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMFI). Speaking on the importance of health care, Rio highlighted the success of Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and urged the public to reap the rich benefits of such government schemes. He encouraged the Sumi people who are also known as ‘Warrior Tribe’ of Nagaland to become ‘Warriors of Peace’ and stand together for unity and brotherhood which will foster peace, progress and prosperity for all.

MLA, Dr Sukhato A Sema commended the Chief Minister of Nagaland under whose dynamic and abled leadership, the people of Nagaland are bearing the fruits of politics and good governance. Sema expressed confidence and appreciation to the Chief Minister, Dy. CMs, Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, MLAs and Bureaucrats for timely intervention and payment of land compensation to land donors (Mishilimi Village & Lazami). The inauguration of New Administrative Complex will not only benefit general public but will specialize, structure, maintain rationality and predictability ensuring stability in functioning of the Government, he said.

Sema also said the opening and functioning of SBI at Pughoboto will ensure accessible banking facilities to the people and boost the economy of the Pughoboto Sub-Division. The people of Pughoboto will soon see the light of Prime Minister Employment Generation Scheme (PEGS) and the Corporate Social Responsibility, he said.

With the opening of Sümi Aphuyemi Kükami Hoho (SAKH) “G.B’s Customary Court” in line with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiyam (BSN), 2023 (The Indian Evidence Act, 1872) which allows for the preservation of community-specific traditions and practices, showcasing the cultural values and norms of local populations, would further empowers courts to recognise and enforce these customary rights, Sema said the people of Pughoboto will be once again deeply rooted in the socio-cultural fabric of Sumi (Naga) which has evolved over centuries, shaping and being shaped by the lives of the people it governs.

ADC & Convenor, Planning Committee, Tiameren Chang, NCS, expressed the New Administrative Complex as a symbol of growth, vision and commitment to creating an inspiring and innovative environment, which will foster creativity, collaboration and efficiency of public services.

The inaugural event started with the dedicatory prayer by Executive Secretary, NCRC Sumi, HQ. Pughoboto, Rev. Vitoka Kinimi and subsequent unveiling of Plaque by the Chief Minister. Short speeches were delivered by Commissioner Nagaland, K. S. Anden Konyak, Former Minister Y. Vikheho Swu, Minister Roads & Bridges G. Kaito Aye and President, Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK), Gihuka Zhimo.

The inauguration was commemorated with Traditional Folk dance by Ghokimi Village and Traditional song by Lazami Village at Pughoboto public ground. Other highlights of the event included special songs from the Best folk fusion song Winner of 6th Annual Music Awards of Nagaland, the ‘Mughami Melos’ and a traditional welcome of the Special Guest called ‘Sasuvi’, by Mishilimi village.

On the occasion of the grand inauguration event, Neiphiu Rio also released ‘The Image’, a booklet compiled by Dr Sukhato A Sema, Ngukato K Tsuipu and Bovito Kiho, that encapsulates the progress and development under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Sukhato A. Sema during his brief stint as an MLA (March 2023-Oct 2024). It highlights key initiatives and achievements that have positively impacted the people. The booklet also provides valuable insights into Pughoboto Subdivision, showcasing its unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and developmental needs.

The celebratory mega event was well attended by Civil Society Organisations and general public of Pughoboto subdivision and concluded with vote of thanks from Chairman, Pughoboto Adhoc Town Council & Co-Convenor Planning Committee, Hokiqhe G. Sheqi.

Taking the auspicious presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Advocate Joshua Sheqi submitted the Memorandum of the Subdivision Administration to the Chief Minister for:

• a) 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.
• b) Establishment of sub-treasury office at Pughoboto town.
• c) Establishment of full-fledged Pughoboto Town Council.
• d) Establishment of RD block, Asukiqa to serve the people of Puhukito and Asukiqa areas.

ABOUT PUGHOBOTO:

The inauguration of the New Administrative Complex marks a significant milestone for the people of Pughoboto, also known as the ‘Sumi Aphuyemi’, literally translated as the ‘first settlers’, because the Sumis first settled in this part of the land and thereon migrated to various parts of Zunheboto District, somewhere in the 15th Century.

Pughoboto Sub-Divisional Headquarter was first established in 1943 with the aim to start a school at Natsumi Village land where there were lots of ‘Pughobo Trees.’ In Sümi “Pughobo” means the tree “Quercus” (Oak Tree Family) hence, the place came to be called as Pughoboto. Thereafter in the year 1945 a school was established at Natsumi Village which was shifted to the present Pughoboto Govt. Higher Secondary School in 1948 to provide education to the neighbouring villages including Saptiqa, and Mishilimi Village donated 4 cycles of Jhum field for establishment of Pughoboto Town. In 1948, Pughoboto became an administrative headquarter with setting up of a Bench Court with Khakhu Dighali as the chairman. In 1958, it was upgraded to Area Superintendent with Tuyi Mokhogho as Area Superintendent which was further upgraded to Circle Office with Chetri as the Circle Officer. It was upgraded to EAC and SDO (C) headquarters in 1973 and 1982 respectively. The long awaited dream was finally realized when it was ultimately upgraded to a full-fledged Sub-Division in 1986 with H.K. Khulu, IAS as the first ADC.

Pughoboto is one of the oldest Sub-Divisions in the State with 24 Government recognized village with the status of a separate Election District since 1987 and a separate Sub-Division Planning Development Board (SDPDB) since 2012. The Sub-Division is divided into two Administrative Circles namely Pughoboto and Ghathashi, having four ranges namely Puhokito Range, Asukiqa Range, Ghathashi Range and Khucho Tsuyi (KT) Range.