Dimapur, Aug. 14 (EMN): The civil society organisations of Pughoboto on August 11 organised a silent procession in Pughoboto town with the slogan ‘We demand State Bank of India Pughoboto branch.’
According to an update, a programme was held at town hall after the procession wherein speeches were delivered by Mughashe Achumi, president of Pughoboto Phughi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu; Holika Wotsa, general secretary Sumi Totimi Hoho Pughoboto; Kivika Swu, president of Pughoboto Town Youth Organisation; Ivulho Wotsa GB Pughoboto and Hokiqhe G Sheqi, vice chairman Pughoboto Ad-hoc Town Committee.
The programme was chaired by Qhelito Sheqi, while Ikuto Swu, associate youth pastor of Pughoboto Town Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings.
It mentioned that Pughoboto sub-division is inhabited by the Sumi tribe and is one of the oldest sub-division in Nagaland. It is 56 km away from the state capital Kohima. As per 2011 census, the total population of Pughoboto sub-division was 16,897. At present, there are about 50,000 populations with 24 government recognised villages.
The update informed that Pughoboto was declared as an administrative headquarter in 1949 with the setting up of bench court, which was later upgraded to area superintendent in 1958, circle officer in 1960, EAC headquarter in 1973, SDO (C) headquarter in 1981 and further upgraded to a fully-fledged ADC headquarter in 1987.
In Pughoboto sub-division, there are about 23 government departments functioning with more than 1,100 government employees and salary transaction of about INR 3.5 crores per month, it stated.
“Due to non availability of nationalised bank i.e SBI in Pughoboto town, approximately about 25,000 account holders of Pughoboto sub-division are scattered in different SBI branches which creates an inconvenience to the public,” it stated.
The Pughoboto CSOs demanded the state government to set up a SBI branch office in Pughoboto town within 45, failing which the second phase of agitation would be initiated, it added.