DIMAPUR — The progress of Nagaland’s newest district, Shamator, is a priority for the government and numerous initiatives have been undertaken to align the district’s progress with the rest of the state, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Tuesday.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Yimkhiung Tribal Council’s (YTC) platinum jubilee celebration at Shamator HQ as a special guest, Rio extended his congratulations to the YTC and the Yimkhiung community for the celebration that marked a significant milestone and a testament to their cultural heritage and unity. He urged the people to unite and work together for the progress of the district.
Noting that every district should have one government college, he announced that the government is working towards setting up one in Shamator. He also highlighted various government schemes and encouraged attendees to make use of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) for free medical treatment. Furthermore, he shed light on the micro-loan scheme, offering citizens the possibility of securing loans of up to INR 50 lakh.
Following the event, the chief minister shared his thoughts on the occasion through a series of comments on the X micro-blogging site, expressing his delight at attending the jubilee celebration and acknowledging the progress and unity achieved by the Yimkhiung and Tikhir people. He emphasised the importance of preserving culture and traditions and underscored the government’s commitment to Shamator’s development. Rio also called for unity among the Nagas to strengthen territorial and emotional integrity.
“Unity is the need of the hour and it is necessary for our collective progress. Let us realize the value of our common Naga brand and Naga identity and together strengthen the territorial and emotional integrity of Nagaland,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
According to updates from the state DIPR, as part of the celebrations which were held on the theme ‘Celebrating Togetherness,’ the CM unveiled the Jubilee Monolith, dedicated by Executive Secretary YBBA, Rev. Dr. SJ Akhum, and released the jubilee souvenir. He also virtually inaugurated the NEFA Road, connecting Sangphur to Soil colony Shamator, which was constructed under SASCI (State) during 2023-24.
Greetings were conveyed by president Tenyimi Union, Nagaland; president CNTC, and president ENPO. A brief speech was also delivered by the Jubilee Host, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung.
The inaugural function was presided over by Rev. Hopong, a missionary, while the welcome address was given by Lakiumong, Convener of the Planning Committee. The keynote address was delivered by Throngso Yimkhiung, president of YTC. The jubilee was heralded by Yimkhiung GBs Ariakho, and cultural performances were showcased by troupes from Lontsunger, Sangphur, Yakor, and Shiponger villages, the DIPR update stated.
The event also saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Minister for Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Power, and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr. Chumben Murry, and other guests.
The YTC was established on January 1, 1948, at Huker Village, with Lt. P Hopong Ang as the first president and K Zungkum as the first general secretary, the update stated.
