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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 14 (EMN): The panchayats of Kitsubozou (Ward. 5) and Midland (Ward.9) on Saturday celebrated Golden Jubilee at their respective colonies in Kohima with minimal attendance in view of the SOPs issued by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Kovi Meyase, administrator of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) and CEO of Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL), attended the 50th anniversary celebration of both panchayats: Kitsubozou panchayat observed the occasion in the morning and Midland in the afternoon.
Meyase unveiled the golden jubilee monolith, souvenir and memento at Kitsubozou as well released golden jubilee souvenir at Midland colony later in the day.
Extending jubilee greetings on the occasions, he urged the residents of both the colonies to leave behind a legacy for the next generation as did by their pioneers for them and also called upon the panchayat leaders, who have been mandated by the local communities, to contribute towards the society.
He stated that “Kohima today is a lot safer, cleaner and smarter” while acknowledging the “combined contributions and services” that have been rendered towards the Smart City Mission.
Asserting that Kohima, under the Smart City Mission, is “inching towards becoming a smarter city”, Meyase expressed hope that with more accomplished hands coming in, it will attain more than a semblance of what was aspired for. “Mere building or constructing infrastructures does not make a city smart but it is the citizens who make the city smart,” he said.
Smartness is not identified by “brands and bright lights alone” but more with the character, attitude and behaviour of the citizens, he said, adding that citizens ought to strive further towards living up to that pinnacle of smartness. He reminded that becoming smart is not just reflected in the form of citizens being aware of their rights alone but when they could shoulder their responsibilities as well.
On the occasion, he also implored upon the two panchayats to take up the onus of nurturing responsible citizens in their respective communities so that they would be able to bestow their contribution to those who would follow them tomorrow.
Medo Yhokha, the newly elected MLA from 14-Southern Angami-1 constituency, urged the panchayat leaders of Kitsubozou to lead their community by emulating the examples of their pioneers, who were honest, trustworthy and worked for the progress of the society.
He sought the blessings and support of Kitsubozou, the only colony under the 14-Southern Angami-1 assembly constituency, and also asked the residents to maintain human relationship and do away with grudges against each other with the onset of the jubilee year.
Seyivilie Peter Zashumo, who recently contested in the bye election to the 14-Southern Angami-1 as Independent candidate, said that jubilee is a time for reconciliation. He asked the residents to break the barriers of their political parties and pray for Yhokha’s good health so that he could work for the welfare of the constituency.
Meanwhile, P Atuo Mezhür Sekhose, advisor of Midland Panchayat Kohima, recalled how the colony and the panchayat at Midland that began during 1970s reached a milestone. He maintained that Midland is “a blessed colony,” which boasts of 15 established churches and one of the “quietest” colonies because of less criminal cases.
The advisor maintained that they (panchayat members) didn’t complain about not having a proper panchayat building despite completing 50 years and that they never asked for donation or contribution from the residents of the colony. “We can say, we are self-sufficient; we are doing well,” he said.
Sekhose also said that, people throng the colony to reside though it’s congested. He further wished Visa Meru, the chairman, and his colleagues the best as they go about their activities.
Both the golden jubilee functions were marked by felicitations and songs besides observing silence in honour and respect of their leaders and members of the colonies who have passed away.