Yanthungo Patton inaugurates Englan Primary Health Centre, other developmental projects

DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton inaugurated several developmental projects across Wokha district on Thursday, including the Englan Primary Health Centre (PHC), a multipurpose building at Yikhum village, and a students’ union office at Thillong.

PHC at Englan

According to a DIPR report, the inaugural programme for the PHC at Englan was held at its premises with Deputy Commissioner of Wokha Vineet Kumar as the guest of honour.

In his address, Patton emphasised the pressing need to resolve land acquisition and border demarcation issues that often hinder developmental activities.

He urged the district administration and police to cooperate in demarcating the land already purchased for development around the PHC and the extra assistant commissioner’s office area.

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Expressing concern over the frequent damage to public property, he appealed to the public to exercise civic responsibility and protect government infrastructure. He reminded the gathering that public facilities are meant for the welfare of the people and should be treated with care and respect. He further called upon the citizens to extend cooperation to the staff of the health centre to ensure quality service delivery.

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, the deputy chief minister entrusted the elders and gaonburas of Englan and neighbouring villages with the responsibility of safeguarding the infrastructure and ensuring its proper upkeep.

Kumar, in his speech, acknowledged the infrastructural challenges faced by many healthcare units across the district. He noted that while several centres are in deteriorating condition, the people of Englan range are fortunate to now have access to a well-equipped facility. He said that access to basic healthcare is a fundamental right and called on citizens to support the functioning and protection of such vital services.

The programme began with a welcome address by Chief Medical Officer of Wokha Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung. A short speech was also delivered by Chanbemo Odyuo, president of the Englan Range Village Council Union.

Multipurpose building at Yikhum

Patton inaugurated a multipurpose building at Yikhum village. Speaking as the inaugural guest, he expressed satisfaction with the quality and design of the building, describing it as one of the finest among Lotha villages.

Highlighting the importance of education and human resource development, he announced that any individual from the village who clears the UPSC examination will be awarded INR 5 lakh, while those who clear the NPSC examination as extra assistant commissioner or deputy superintendent of police will receive INR 3 lakh each.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Yikhum Women Hoho towards the village’s development and donated INR 25,000 for the welfare of women in the village. In addition, the deputy chief minister contributed INR 7 lakh towards the construction of the building.

Member of the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission, Advocate R N Lotha, also addressed the gathering, speaking on the true essence of community and its role in societal development.

The dedication of the building was led by the pastor of Yikhum Baptist Church, while the unveiling of the plaque was performed by the inaugural guest.

Thillong Students’ Union Office

On the same day, Patton inaugurated the Thillong Students’ Union Office, constructed under LADP 2024–25, in Thillong.

In his address, the deputy chief minister noted the significance of such infrastructure in nurturing the aspirations of young people.

He expressed hope that the office would become a space for students to find direction, unity, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the community. He also assured the extension of the community hall in Thillong to provide a larger and more functional venue for public gatherings.