Advisor K Tokugha Sukhalu recalls Zunheboto's history as headquarters during the 40th ZRSU general conference at Yezami Village.
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DIMAPUR — K Tokugha Sukhalu, MLA and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, Government of Nagaland, highlighted the historical journey and present challenges of Zunheboto district while addressing the 40th general conference of Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) held at Yezami village in Zunheboto on Wednesday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sukhalu said that when Wokha was granted a Bench Court in 1941, Lt. LL Hezukhu, head GB of Sheyipu, initiated a move for Zunheboto to be declared an administrative centre.
According to an update, 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 Lt. Hezukhu and Lt. Zhetoi (Sheyipu), Lt. Luzukhu and Lt. Nihoto (Baimho), Lt. Nizikhu and Khuheto (Shotomi), Lt. Hevikhe and Lt. Suhoi (Nathami), and Lt. Lhoxuvi (Lizu Naghuto), assured the sub-divisional officer (SDO) that any required land would be provided free of cost.
Several water sources were also identified, leading to Zunheboto eventually becoming the headquarters of the Sumi community.
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He further highlighted the establishment of education in the district, stating that a private high school was initiated by Lt. Avito Kiba with the support of members including Lt. Hoshikhe (Sukhalu), Lt. Zhetoi (GB of Sheyipu), Lt. Hetoi (GB of Sukhalu), Lt Luzukhu (GB of Baimho) and Pukhato (DB of Satakha). Leaders such as Lt. Kuhoto (head GB of Ghukiye), Lt. Ghokiye (GB of Vishepu), Lt Tokiye (GB of Ghukiye) and Lt 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 7 and 8.
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, government higher secondary school, and high schools (both government and private), 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, highlighted that Zunheboto is the heart of the Sumi community and called for unity, forgiveness and collective effort to uphold the dignity of Zunheboto.