Pochury tribe celebrates silver jubilee of its recognition
Principal Correspondent
Meluri, April 21
Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Yitachu today challenged Pochury tribe, one of the most backward tribes in the State to work towards becoming the highest contributor of State’s economic upliftment and progress.
Yitachu was addressing a mammoth gathering of celebrants as the chief guest during the glorious 25 years of recognition of Pochury as the 16th tribe of Nagaland commemorated under the aegis of Pochury Hoho on the theme “Celebrating the glorious past” at Meluiri Local Ground.
As the chief guest and MLA of the constituency for third consecutive term, Yitachu said Pochury tribe may be a small tribe but attaining 25 years of being recognized as a tribe comes with greater responsibility as the citizen of the State.
“As we celebrate 25 years looking into the potentials of the area falling under Pochury tribe, we should become the highest revenue contributor towards the economic sustainability of the state while celebrating the Golden Jubilee in 2040,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said in order to achieve it the Pochury people should be able to develop and manage the water resources for hydro electric power generation above 200mw, mineral exploration and opening of border trade with Myanmar.
The region has surplus rice, fish and livestock production and therefore opening of the border trade corridor will help the Pochury area in avoiding the blockades from other corners. “The corridor will make us secure”.In order to achieve such a prospect “we have to prepare well with our human resources and also be able to manage our available forest wealth so that the global warming does not destroy us”.
He further sought the cooperation and unity of all sections of Pochury tribe resulting in creation of peaceful atmosphere to carry forward the challenge.
He also urged the gathering representing 30 villages of Pochury community to go back and spread the commitment to turn Meluri sub-division belonging to the Pochury tribe into the highest revenue generation area for economic uplift of the state.
Mention may be made here that April 21 is set aside as Pochury Day in commemoration of the recognition of Pochury tribe in 1990. The people of Pochury celebrated the first anniversary of Pochury Day at Meluri on April 21, 1990 after the Government of Nagaland made formal announcement of the recognition of Pochury as the 16th tribe of Nagaland on April 19, 1990.
The demand for recognition of Pochury as a separate tribe was approved by the cabinet when Congress party was in power headed by Dr. S.C. Jamir as the Chief Minister of Nagaland. Late TCK Lotha was the home secretary from whose office the order of recognition was issued then.
Today, Pochury tribe is blessed with nearly 120 gazetted officers with a good number of graduates and post graduates in every village from a single digit of five as on April 21, 1990.
Ex-MLA Khuosatho Nyusou, Phek Deputy Commissioner Murohu Chotso and first Pochury Hoho president Z. Katiry also exhorted the gathering on the occasion, which was chaired by Pochury Hoho president Penthü Pochury. Vice president Khathopa Katiry delivered welcome address. Superintendent of UPCI SEND, Rev. Pantsa Leyri led a special prayer for Pochury and invoked God’s blessing to bestow upon each and every citizens of Pochury.
Executive Secretary PBCC Rev.Rümatho Nyusou and President PBCC Rev. Tivisie Pojar said invocation and benediction respectively while PH treasurer Khevitho Nyuthe tendered the vote of thanks.
Folk dances and songs from Kamaleah Area Public Organisation, Meluri Area Public Organisation, Phokhungri Area Public Organisation and Apoksha Range Public Organisation and community jubilee feast added to the traditional flavor to the function.
