Creation of Tseminyu district histroic: Rio

February 25, 2022
Correspondent

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio asserted that even though the Rengma tribe was a small community, its contribution towards the Naga society was huge and therefore Tseminyu district could be called a “historic district”.
Addressing the grand inauguration of Tseminyu district at Rengma Sports’ Association Ground at Tseminyu on Thursday, he acknowledged that Rengmas were principled and full of integrity whose contribution towards Naga national movement was immense.

Narrating Rengmas’ contribution to the Naga community, he recalled the involvement of the tribe in Labour Corps of 1914-18, in Naga Club, in signing the memorandum to Simon Commission, in Naga Hill District Tribal Council, in the 9 and 16 Point Agreements, etc.

Though a small community, he said the Rengmas were involved in all major events of Naga history, adding that even the Naga flag was first hoisted on Rengma soil. He therefore urged the current generation to carry forward the legacy.

Congratulating the Rengmas on the occasion, Rio said there were many other sub-divisions that yearned to become full-fledged districts, but the cabinet felt that unity was the need of the hour and therefore decided not to bifurcate the districts.

On the demand of Pochury tribe for upgrading Meluri sub-division to a full-fledged district, he said this may be possible at later stages. Currently, it did not meet the criteria, but if delimitation was carried out, he remarked that rearrangement could be done and justice delivered to all.

Noting that some constituencies had lesser voters while some had huge and that there was no equitable distribution, Rio hoped that once Naga political issue got resolved, the number of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats would increase, while a minimum of 20 Assembly seats will be added to accommodate the tribes.

To resolve the Naga political issue, he said series of consultative meetings with all stakeholders was going on.

Rio also sought everyone’s cooperation to facilitate development in the new district and said all efforts would be made for all-round development of Tseminyu. He also assured that funds would be allotted for all old and new districts in the upcoming budget,Recalling the 2018 election campaign “change is coming”, he said certain major decisions could be taken because of public cooperation and a stable government.

In his address, health & family welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom congratulated members of the Rengma community and called for efforts to facilitate development of the new district.

Noting that land ownership issue hampered development in all districts, he urged landowners not to obstruct any developmental activities and encouraged them to be a role model for rest of the Nagas.

Speaking on the occasion, urban development and municipal affairs adviser Dr Nikiesalie Kire and IT&C, NRE adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon also congratulated the Rengmas. They said the Rengmas deserved a district due to their contribution towards the Naga society. He also sought public support in facilitating development in the district.

In his address, NPF legislator Yitachu remarked that justice was done to the Rengmas by granting district and urged them to remain united and take Nagas forward.

Speaking on the occasion, commissioner Nagaland Rovilatuo Mor said that the State government was committed for all-round development and bring prosperity. However, knowing the limitation of State’s resources, he appealed to the Rengmas to avoid serving ultimatums to the government even if their demands were not fulfilled at one go.

TPO president Timikha Koza urged the Rengma tribe not to forget the large heartedness of the Angamis who gave full support in creation of the new district and urged them to work together towards Naga political settlement.
Animal husbandry & veterinary services and women resource adviser R Khing, who was host of the event, said the commitment made during the 2018 campaign was almost fulfilled with the granting of districts and construction of two bridges, while establishment of a college was in pipeline.

In his remark, deputy commissioner Tseminyu Dr Zasekuolie Chüsi, who chaired the programme, said Rengma Nagas had a unique tradition of upholding Naga identity and had been pioneers and frontrunners in Naga national movement.

He also read out a list of leaders from the Rengma community who had participated in the Naga national movement.

He said Tseminyu was considered as a district since it comprised 39 recognised villages and three unrecognised villages and had a population of 56,108 (2011 census) spread over 715-sq km area and had a literacy rate of 81.71%.

Chüsi said Tseminyu district had two administrative headquarters, one notified township with two RD blocks, 27 State government offices, 21 Central government offices and three public sector banks. He urged the government to improve infrastructure and staffing.

He stressed on linking up with National Informatics Centre (NIC) and setting up proper infrastructure like video conference room in the district keeping in mind the Assembly elections scheduled next year.

He said though 411 acres of land was acquired by the State government in the district, a better portion of the land was washed away by landslides, which made the site unstable for development work. Therefore, there was a need to acquire more land for expansion of township and office establishment, he added.

As the Rengmas aspired for a model district, he mentioned that a masterplan was being contemplated and urged the authorities concerned to guide, assist and grant facilities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Rengma Hoho president Pollen Tep said the Rengma welcomed the formation of the district.

At the programme, folk songs were presented by Tseminyu Lojvü and Western Rengma Cultural Troupe, while balloons were released to mark the occasion.

Host of legislators, senior State government officials, representatives from civil society groups and thousands of Rengmas from far and near attended the programme.

Earlier, the chief minister unveiled a monolith of Tseminyu district.

Source: https://www.nagalandpost.com/index.php/creation-of-tseminyu-district-histroic-rio/