State Cabinet approves Meluri as the 17th district

October 31, 2024 22 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima | October 31

The Nagaland Government has approved the bifurcation of Phek district, designating Meluri sub-division as the state’s 17th district. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on October 30.

Meluri, primarily inhabited by the Pochury tribe, will officially become a district upon implementation of the Cabinet’s decision.

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, along with the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, confirmed the development at a press briefing. Kenye noted that the Pochury people have long advocated for a district of their own, and the Cabinet has responded positively to this demand.

Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, MLA Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, welcomed the decision, stating, “By the grace of God and with the blessings of our present Chief Minister and cabinet, today they have approved the district.”

Highlighting the efforts of the Pochury community, Nyuthe mentioned that since 2021, the people of Meluri, led by the Pochury Hoho, have submitted multiple representations to the state government. He also noted that the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) previously expressed support for the creation of Meluri district.

The next step following this approval will be to await the government’s official notification, after which necessary formalities will be completed to operationalize the new district.

According to the 2011 census, the Pochury tribe comprises about 22,558 people across 31 recognized villages, although it is estimated that the population may have now exceeded 30,000. The new district will cover an area of approximately 1,010 square kilometers. The Pochury Hoho has called this a “red letter day” for the community.