MLAs Z Nyusietho Nyuthe and Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, Kohima DC B Henok Buchem and others during the unveiling of the Meluri District Unity Stone Monolith on August 26. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 26
The Meluri District Unity Stone Monolith, constructed by the Tsütuonuomia Khel Council of Kohima Village, was unveiled today at Tsütuo Kharu, Kewhitsütuo Model, symbolising the unity and identity of the 17 districts of Nagaland.
The monolith was unveiled by MLA Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor for Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and Inland Waterways, in the presence of MLA Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhütso, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem and others.
Addressing the gathering at Reiphinyü Badze, Nyuthe expressed gratitude to the T Khel Council for constructing the Unity Stone Monolith at Tsütuo Kharu.
He said the creation of Meluri District marked an important stage in the administrative evolution of Nagaland.
Nyuthe further noted that Meluri was once part of the larger Kohima District and Phek District before being inaugurated as Nagaland’s 17th district on February 21, 2025, by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio.
Touching on Naga unity, Nyuthe referred to the consolidated Naga meeting held on September 12, 2024, which brought together representatives of tribal organisations, civil society organisations, NGOs, student bodies, political parties and the two Members of Parliament from Nagaland. The meeting adopted a resolution for unity and renewed efforts to bring all stakeholders in the Naga peace process together in a spirit of understanding.
“If we really want to be united, we should not pinpoint each other,” he said.
He said the laying of the Meluri District monolith at Tsütuo Kharu carried a strong message of unity.
He requested Kohima Village to continue to play an important role in uniting the Nagas.
‘Spirit of unity & togetherness’
In his address, Kohima DC Buchem said that a stone monolith stands as a symbol of history, identity, solidarity and collective aspiration.
“The Unity Stone that we unveil today carries an even deeper significance because it represents the spirit of unity and togetherness that is essential for the progress and prosperity of our State as a whole,” he said.
He said the establishment of Meluri District marks an important chapter in the administrative and developmental history of Nagaland.
Stating that the district holds tremendous promise, Buchem said, “With its rich natural resources, cultural heritage, hardworking people and strategic importance, the district has the potential to emerge as a vibrant centre of growth and opportunity.”
He said the T Khel Council’s initiative to construct the Unity Stone was commendable, demonstrating that building a strong and progressive society is not the government’s responsibility alone.
The T Khel has made notable contributions to Naga political consciousness, education, cultural preservation, peace and social harmony, land stewardship, public infrastructure and the socio-economic development of Kohima, he added.
The DC also urged the people to look upon the monolith as a symbolic commitment to unity.
“Let this stone remind us that differences in village, clan, community or individual interests should never become obstacles to the larger collective interest. Let it stand for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation,” he added.
Strength of Naga togetherness
Sharing greetings, Pochury Hoho Kohima President Thosiepa Katiry thanked the T Khel Council for the monolith, saying the gesture reflected the enduring strength of Naga togetherness.
“As Pochury, we take immense pride in our identity, heritage and contribution to the Naga family. At the same time, we recognise that our strength and progress lie in unity, mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Katiry further conveyed PHK’s reaffirmation of its commitment to continue working hand in hand with all Naga communities, organisations and institutions for peace, dignity, development and the larger interests of the Naga people.
Describing the creation of Meluri District as a landmark moment for the Pochury people and the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration, he urged collective responsibility in building a district founded on peace, good governance, inclusiveness, opportunity and sustainable development.
May Meluri District truly become a Fortune District—a symbol of hope, unity, opportunity and progress—contributing not only to the well-being and advancement of the Pochury people but also to the peace, prosperity and development of the entire State of Nagaland, he added.
About the Unity Stone Monolith
K Neibou Sekhose, Chairman of the T Khel Council, said the concept of the Unity Stone Monolith was envisioned by T Khel and fully sponsored and constructed at Tsütuo Kharu as a powerful symbol of Naga unity, brotherhood and oneness.
He added that Tsütuo Kharu itself stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of the Nagas.
The Meluri District Unity Monolith, marking the State’s youngest and 17th district, now stands at Tsütuo Kharu alongside the Unity Stones of the other 16 districts, inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on December 7, 2023, he said.
Sekhose said the addition of the Meluri District Unity Stone Monolith completes the story of Nagaland’s statehood and togetherness, symbolising the State’s unity and conveying that “no tribe is far, no district is small. All are one.”
It further symbolises that “Nagaland is one, many tribes, many districts but one people, one future,” he added.
Sekhose also maintained that the monolith represents not just a stone, but “a promise to stand together, a promise to respect each other and a promise that development and peace will reach every corner of Nagaland.”
The programme was compered by Kiyakhrienuo Solo and Seyiekhrietuo Sekhose, while the vote of thanks was proposed by T Khel Council General Secretary Er Thepfuzakie Suohu.
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