K Tokugha Sukhalu addresses the 40th ZRSU general conference at Yezami village on January 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | January 7
K Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Retd.), MLA and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, Chairman of Urban Local Bodies and Village Council Committee, Government of Nagaland, graced the 40th general conference of the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) at Yezami village on January 7.
Recalling history, Sukhalu said that when Wokha was granted a Bench Court in 1941, Late LL Hezukhu, Head GB of Sheyipu, initiated a move for Zunheboto to be declared an administrative centre.
He noted that many had opposed Zunheboto as the Sumi headquarters due to its damp climate, scarcity of water and other challenges. However, elders from the Tizu area, including Late Hezukhu and Late Zhetoi (Sheyipu), Late Luzukhu and Late Nihoto (Baimho), Late Nizikhu and Khuheto (Shotomi), Late Hevikhe and Late Suhoi (Nathami), and Late Lhoxuvi (Lizu Naghuto), assured the Sub-Divisional Officer that any required land would be provided free of cost. Several water sources were also identified, eventually leading to Zunheboto becoming the headquarters of the Sumi community.
The Advisor further highlighted the establishment of education in the district, stating that a private high school was initiated by Late Avito Kiba with the support of members including Late Hoshikhe (Sukhalu), Late Zhetoi, GB Sheyipu, Late Hetoi, GB Sukhalu, Late Luzukhu, GB Baimho, and Pukhato, DB of Satakha. Leaders such as Late Kuhoto, Head GB of Ghukiye, Late Ghokiye, GB of Vishepu, Late Tokiye, GB of Ghukiye, and Late Zhevuxu, GB of Zungti, also came forward to jointly establish a high school at Zunheboto in 1949.
With the assistance of PF Adams, SDO Mokokchung, elders from the Zunheboto and Satakha ranges jointly opened the school with Classes VII and VIII. The institution was maintained through public contributions before being taken over by the government in 1957.
Sukhalu said that today Zunheboto has a government college, a government higher secondary school, government and private high schools, as well as middle and primary schools across villages. However, he questioned the district’s progress in terms of employment. He expressed concern over the attendance of officers and staff and the functioning of offices and schools, while appreciating the education department’s initiative to monitor teachers’ attendance in government schools.
He advised the ZRSU to conduct tours of both government and private schools to encourage students to pursue academics with diligence and sincerity. Addressing students, he said they are the future leaders of the community and the state.
Sukhalu also advised the incumbent office bearers to document details of all postgraduate, graduate and diploma holders, as well as government and private sector employees from the 17 villages of Zunheboto. He said such data would help assess the overall progress of the area.
Chairman of Zunheboto Tokujo Kükami, Akükau Khekuto Zhimomi, in his greetings message, said that Zunheboto is the heart of the Sumi community and called for unity, forgiveness and collective effort to uphold the dignity of Zunheboto.
The presidential address was delivered by Viki K Zhimo, President of ZRSU while cultural performances were presented by the Yemishe Students’ Union, Natha New Students’ Union and Sheyipu Students’ Union. The programme concluded with cultural competitions.
