Nagaland Governor, Nand Kishore Yadav paid an official visit to Zunheboto district headquarters on 28th September 2026, where he reviewed administrative functioning and received representations from major Sümi socio-cultural organisations on issues concerning the district and the wider Naga society.
The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, while the welcome address was delivered by Advisor, Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and Chairman, DPDB Zunheboto, K.T Sukhalu.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Nand Kishore Yadav described Zunheboto as the “Land of Warriors”, highlighting its strong cultural identity and significant developmental potential in agriculture, forests, human resources and tourism.
He stressed that the district administration is the face of government for ordinary citizens and called for greater focus on last mile delivery of services, especially in remote areas.
On education, the Governor stated that the focus must be on learning outcomes, teacher and student attendance, retention and transition to higher education or vocational opportunities, with special attention to schools in remote locations. While on health services, he stressed the need for functional personnel, medicines and equipment at the District Hospital, CHCs, PHCs and Sub-Centres.
On agriculture sector, Governor Yadav called for a shift from a purely subsidy-oriented approach towards productivity, value addition, market linkages and stronger farmer organisations. On connectivity and basic infrastructure, he stated that electricity, drinking water, roads and digital access are essential for development. He emphasised that the quality and durability of roads must improve so that the same stretches do not require repeated expenditure.
The Governor also stressed that inter-departmental coordination is critical. He called for delayed projects involving multiple departments to be resolved through clear timelines and effective coordination.
On tourism, he highlighted the potential of sites such as Satoi Wildlife Sanctuary and Ghosü Wildlife Bird Sanctuary, calling for their sustainable development with local youth participation through homestays, cultural experiences and other community-based initiatives.
Governor further highlighted the importance of digital governance and district level dashboards on key indicators to improve accountability. At the same time, he stressed the need to ensure facilitation for citizens with limited digital access.
The Governor called on officers to be accessible, responsive and accountable, and to ensure that government programmes produce visible results on the ground. He expressed hope that Zunheboto would progress as a district combining good governance, economic opportunity, social development and preservation of its cultural and natural heritage.
The Sümi Hoho, submitted a representation covering four major issues to the Governor:
On the Naga political issue, the organisation noted that the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, and the Agreed Position of November 17, 2017, remain important milestones. It urged the Government of India to bring the long-pending Naga political issue to a final, honourable, inclusive and mutually acceptable conclusion and requested the Governor to convey the aspiration to the appropriate authorities.
On Vande Mataram and religious sensitivities, the Hoho affirmed respect for the National Song and all national symbols, while pointing out that some later stanzas contain religious imagery that may create difficulty for people of certain faiths, particularly Christians. It requested that official protocols give due consideration to the faith and conscience of all communities while maintaining honour for the National Song.
The Hoho also sought upgradation of the Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital from 75 to 100 beds, along with adequate doctors, nurses, equipment, medicines, diagnostic facilities and infrastructure.
On the proposed Showuba-Pangsha East-West Corridor, the organisation highlighted the long pending proposal for the corridor passing through Zunheboto towards Shamator, stating that it would improve connectivity across western, central and eastern Nagaland and strengthen economic and social integration.
The Sümi Kükami Hoho, representing the hereditary village chiefs, emphasised the continuing importance of the Kükami institution among the nearly 400 Sümi villages. It stated that customary laws and practices are largely unwritten living traditions protected under Article 371A and requested consultation with traditional institutions whenever policies or decisions affect customary rights. It also stressed that development should not come at the cost of Sümi identity and traditional institutions.
The Zunheboto Area Public Organisation highlighted youth unemployment and substance abuse, calling for greater investment in education, sports, skill and vocational training. It also sought timely completion of road projects and greater support for farming in the Tizu river basin through improved market access, technology, irrigation and storage facilities.
While pronouncing a vote of thanks, Deputy Speaker, NLA, S. Toiho Yeptho stated that he had known the Governor from earlier days and appreciated his commitment to public service. He highlighted that, for the betterment of the people, he goes beyond expectations. He further stated that Zunheboto, being at the heart of Nagaland, has not developed at the desired pace. However, with his leadership, Toiho expressed that Zunheboto would witness further progress and development, with government schemes and programmes reaching the grassroots level.
(Sepikiu S Sangtam, IA Zunheboto)
