Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya visited Khonoma Village, Kohima on February 21, 2026 during her tour of Nagaland for inspections, meetings and programme-related visits.
Situated around 20 kilometres from Kohima, Khonoma Village is renowned for its vibrant Angami Naga heritage, strong community-led conservation effort and historical importance.
During the visit, Bambhaniya paid homage at the Archaeological Survey of India memorial dedicated to G.H. Damant and others who were killed during the events leading to the historic Khonoma Battle of 1879.
She later visited local stalls selling indigenous food items and products, where goods are displayed under a unique trust-based system that allows customers to pick what they need and leave the appropriate payment. Bambhaniya appreciated the honesty-based practice and also commended the village for adopting digital payment facilities alongside traditional systems.
At Khonoma Fort (Semoma), Bambhaniya interacted with village functionaries and held a brief discussion. The Village Chairman informed that ration under government schemes is reaching the village regularly and conveyed gratitude to the Prime Minister for ensuring food security in the area.
The Chairman also raised the issue of the Government High School lacking Higher Secondary (Class XII) classes and requested for its upgradation under the New Education Policy. Bambhaniya acknowledged the concern and assured that the matter would be looked into. Village functionaries expressed appreciation for the various facilities provided and requested Bambhaniya to convey their gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Khonoma.
Bambhaniya, on her second day also paid an official visit to Government Middle School, Kuda village on February 21.
During her visit to Kuda village, the Minister was accorded a warm welcome at the school, where a short programme was organised in her honour. Addressing the gathering, the Minister expressed her happiness at being present in Kuda village and thanked the school for the warm reception. She lauded the students for their special song performance, stating that the song presented by them reflected their immense talent and brought renewed energy to the programme. She extended her best wishes and congratulations to the students for their skills and dedication.
She stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, special emphasis has been placed on education and the development of the Northeastern states. She said the government is committed to making the region self-reliant under the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ products.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Describing education as the greatest power in nation-building, she noted that the government has prioritised the provision of clean drinking water, toilets and basic facilities in primary schools to create a better learning environment. Referring to the National Education Policy, she said emphasis has been laid on holistic and skill-based education, including instruction in the mother tongue, to help children become self-reliant.
“Our children are the builders of India and the shapers of its destiny,” she said, adding that schools across the country are being modernised to provide students with access to improved facilities and quality education.
She concluded by expressing gratitude to the teachers, principal, chairman and village council members for their hospitality and reiterated her best wishes to the students.
Chairman, School Management Board, Duoneinuo Kire, in her address extend warm welcome to the minister for her visit. She informed that, since the inception, the school has played a pivotal role in providing a foundational education to the village and the dedication of teachers and staffs continue to strive towards the holistic development of the students. On behalf of the school, she submitted a representation regarding the mid-day meal cooks wages/salaries enhancement and hope she will look into it as a special gesture and look forward to her valuable insights and blessings.
