Advisor to CM outlines vision to transform Kohima into a strategic hub

KOHIMA — Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman of Investment Development Authority Nagaland (IDAN) Abu Metha on Friday urged for a forward-thinking vision to transform Kohima into a strategic and inclusive city.

Addressing the Tsütounuomia Khel Day and the culmination of the Tsütounuomia Students Union (TSU) platinum jubilee held at Mission Compound, Kohima, he highlighted Kohima’s unique historical significance.

He shared that a British study had identified the Battle of Kohima as the most pivotal one fought by the British Empire in the 20th century, asserting that it shaped not only Kohima’s history but also had lasting impact on global democracy.

Metha further underscored India’s growing influence as a superpower, being the world’s most populous country with 1.5 billion people and the fifth-largest economy. He projected that within a decade, India would achieve a five-trillion economy and be recognised for its advances in nuclear technology and space exploration.

He pointed out Kohima’s strategic location on the Trans-Asian Highway that links India to Southeast Asia, running through Myanmar and reaching Indonesia across ten nations. Given this position, Metha called for a vision to develop Kohima into a forward-thinking city that could contribute to India’s broader goals of influencing ASEAN nations and advancing in the global arena.

“We must build a city that welcomes everyone,” Metha urged, envisioning Kohima as an inclusive, dynamic, and liveable city, fostering opportunities for innovation, creativity, and success. He encouraged leaders and parents to support and instill bravery in the youth, enabling them to strive for global achievements.

He also highlighted the need to shift focus from Kohima’s history of warfare towards becoming a beacon of peace.

Metha emphasised that Kohima must ‘reach out to the outside with the right language’ and through the right narrative and through a sustainable, environmentally-conscious vision that would attract positive global attention.

Meanwhile, MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso urged members of the T Khel community to display kindness and support development projects, particularly road construction, to foster economic growth.

He advised the students to harness their talent, which he called the ultimate armour for competing in today’s world while he also debunk the notion of the “educated unemployed” and noted that many uneducated individuals still find ways to earn a livelihood. He encouraged students to seize the opportunities that come with being in the state capital.

Helievio Solo, the chairman of Kohima Village Council, voiced concerns over rising immigration and warned of a potential situation similar to that in Tripura. Solo stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs) to safeguard cultural integrity while encouraging community progress.

T Khel Council chairman, K Neibou Sekhose, presented the history of T Khel, highlighted the council’s various projects, and detailed its future vision, which includes investments in education and incentivising sports training. He also mentioned the council’s plans to host coordination meetings with 38 friendship villages to foster communal relations.

During the event the Tsütounuomia Gazetted Officers Krotho (TGOK) Album was also released celebrating the achievements of the Tsütounuomia community.

The first-ever Tsütou Award was conferred upon Thepfulhouvi Solo, a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, along with a citation and INR 50,000. Neiketoulie Belho and Dziesengunuo Solo received awards for Best Sportsperson, in the male and female categories respectively with a citation and INR 25,000 each.

The new T Khel Council team for the 2025-27 tenure will once again be led by K Neibou Sekhose, while the Tsütounuomia Women Organisation will be headed by Mhasisanuo Solo as president.