DC Zunheboto Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS with Administration officers and others during his farewell programme held at Multi Purpose Hall, Zunheboto on May 2. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | May 2
A farewell programme was held in honour of Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Zunheboto on May 2.
In his farewell speech, Rahul Bhanudas Mali highlighted major projects and achievements in the district during his time. These included the completion of Chakabama to Zunheboto National Highway, which will be named as the Chakhesang-Sumi Brotherhood Road in the next DPDB; the repairing and maintenance of Mokokchung to Zunheboto two-lane road project; and the repair and maintenance of the Zunheboto to Aghunato Road and Showba-Pansha transnational highway a very important transnational highway connecting not only Nagaland but connecting India with South-East Asia, Zunheboto can become central station.
He also mentioned the resolution of the long-standing land issue of the Zunheboto District Hospital; the under-construction of the new DC office expected to be completed next year; the purchase of the District Sports Council Ground with the remaining funds from the District Golden Jubilee, the establishment of a new NST office and establishment of Blood Bank and Blood analyser in District Hospital through CSR given by 'The Haans Foundation's contribution of DPDB common pool.
He emphasised that since taking office on March 22, 2022, he had witnessed and conducted the peacefully and fairly conduct of three elections: the 2023 Nagaland State Assembly Election, the 2024 Lok Sabha Election (MP), and the 2024 Urban Local Bodies Election.
He shared that during a district visit, Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs GoI approved several key projects that will drive future development in Zunheboto. He also informed that the Akuhaito Aspirational Block got an award of Rs 1.5 crore for 2024 year ranking 8 position in entire country.
He commended the dedication and hard work of the people of Zunheboto. He described the Sumi community as hardworking and business-minded, and acknowledged the positive impact of the Chief Minister’s Microfinance Scheme. He also mentioned initiatives under the Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) campaign, including plans to install CCTV cameras throughout the town.
“This is not an individual achievement, but a collective one. The Sumi people are brave and resilient,” he concluded.
Earlier, the event was chaired by Rohbi Sangtam, SDO (C). Kikheto Muru, Vice President of Sumi Hoho, stated that under the leadership of Rahul Mali, the district successfully conducted three elections peacefully. Despite the presence of numerous Naga Political Groups in the district, the DC maintained cordial relations and ensured law and order was preserved.
Hekato Zhimo, representing the Zunheboto Area Public Organisation (ZAPO) and the District Sports Council Zunheboto, mentioned that the district benefited greatly from his tenure, including participation in two Naga Olympics.
A special song was presented by the Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church (ZTSBC). Vote of thanks was delivered by Sukhalu Chishi, SDO (C), and the benediction was pronounced by Kughavi V. Chishi, Pastor, NCRC.
Several prominent individuals delivered short speeches, including Kupe Kapfo, SP Zunheboto; Vikheho Yeptho, PA to DC; David, DPO DPDB; M.S. Thangponh, ADC Satakha and Japheth Woch, ADC (HQ) Zunheboto, representing the administrative officers.
