MLA Sophie pledges sustainable development for constituency

JAKHAMA — Independent MLA Kevipodi Sophie said on Tuesday that the absence of a portfolio doesn’t imply disadvantages and pledged to ensure sustainable development for areas within his constituency through every available means.

Speaking at the Jakhama Village Day in Jakhama village, Kohima, Sophie also emphasised the importance of providing training opportunities for youth in various government departments, recognising that job opportunities in the public sector have reached saturation.

He enlightened attendees in his speech about government schemes and encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship and other ventures.

Conveying information about the upcoming delimitation process scheduled for 2026, following the Supreme Court’s directive, he urged everyone to participate in this exercise. This process will not only shape electoral boundaries but also determine voter numbers, he said.

Sophie stressed the importance of approaching elected representatives to address concerns collectively while cautioning about the potential division within villages. He advised against the formation of factions driven by a desire for leadership without a willingness to listen to one another.

During the event, the legislator unveiled the monolith for the new Jakhama village panchayat building, followed by a dedicatory prayer led by Rev. Zapovil Sophie, senior pastor of Jakhama Baptist Church.

The event also included competitions such as folk song, war cry, and sokese (an alternative form of traditional song).

Zhotso and Phema khels won the folk song competition, earning INR 50,000, while Khatso Natso and Pfüdia khels received INR 40,000 for securing second place. Kulnu and Naki khels, who finished third, and Sophietso and Porutso khels, who finished fourth, received INR 35,000 each.

Kekhünozo Khazo won the war cry competition and was awarded INR 3,000. Zenoho Sophie and Kevizayie Khieya finished second and third, earning INR 2,000 and INR 1000, respectively.

Zhotso and Phema khels won the Sokese competition, earning INR 10,000. Naki and Kulnu khels and Porutso and Sophietso khels came in second and third place, earning INR 5,000 and INR 3,000, respectively.

In the cleanest khel competition, Sophietso Khel emerged victorious, winning INR 30,000. Zhotso Khel and Melichozu Colony secured the second and third positions, each receiving INR 20,000 and INR 10,000, respectively.