Zunheboto’s development gap due to neglect: Advisor Sukhalu

Urges to revive educational legacy, boost farm output

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | November 21

The special guest at the fourth biennial conference of the Zunheboto Area Public Organisation (ZAPO) on Friday emphasised the need to accelerate development in the district, stating it has lagged behind others created around the same time.

K Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Retd), who is the MLA and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, LMCP, and Chairman of ULB and Village Council, pointed out that districts like Peren, Phek, and Wokha have progressed, while Zunheboto has “long remained neglected.”

He was addressing the conference held at Lizu New Zunheboto. Sukhalu stressed that Zunheboto district has been unable to keep pace with others in many sectors.

Sukhalu expressed concern that many Sumi officers often shifted to Dimapur and Kohima, gradually distancing themselves from Zunheboto. He pointed out that leaders from other districts such as Mon with ten MLAs and Mokokchung continue to maintain residences in their own areas, contributing to local progress. “If we prioritise only ourselves and our relatives, we will not progress,” he cautioned.

Recalling the heritage of education, “Even during our grandparents’ time, though they had little formal education, they had the vision to bring education to our district. Without education, we become servants to others. We must ensure our schools function well in every village and that teachers remain present,” he said. 

He urged students to focus on studies, reminding them that modern distractions such as mobile phones, computers, and social media are hindering the younger generation. “Student life is short, build your career first, then enjoy life later,” he added.

Touching on sports infrastructure, he remarked that the existing ground in Zunheboto is only a local ground, not a standard football ground.  I learned that this local ground was constructed by our grandparents as a form of punishment from the Indian government. “I am trying to bring one proper football ground with all facilities. Today, many tournaments are being held, yet we fail to compete with others because our players are still playing in fishery ponds. How can we progress like this?” he questioned.

He further encouraged farmers to make better use of the district’s fertile land   “Why are we not practicing proper agriculture when our land is so fertile? We should be able to maintain a buffer stock instead of depending on government-supplied products such as BPL rice,” he said. He expressed concern that while many tribes are progressing rapidly, the Sumi community risks falling behind.

He called on the people to support and unite with one another. “Organizations should be tools for unity, not division. Think of your children’s future and do not confine opportunities only to yourself.

We must monitor development works in our area and raise issues when they arise—not after they become cold,” he concluded.

During the programme, ZAPO also felicitated individuals who recently cleared competitive examinations.

Earlier, Kakugha S Rotokha, President ZAPO, chaired the program, which were followed by a Man war dance and a Women folk dance performed by the host village, vote of thanks was delivered by Hekato Sema, General Secretary, ZAPO. The second session of the ZAPO Conference featured competitions on various cultural events.

Winners 
Sumi Traditional Wear (Atuna nanu pepukupu): Kawoto Village, Natha Old Village, Lizu New Village

Naga traditional Winnowing competition (Athi ghakuxuni): Natha New Village, Shoto Village, Asukho Village

Naga Dao (machete) competition (Asü miche Kuxuni): Sheyipi Village, Lizu Nagahuto Village, Lizu New Village

Bamboo stilt race (Kakapu): Shoto Village, Lizu New Village, Kawoto Village.