Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang graced the Ahuna festival celebration as the chief guest at Zunheboto District celebrated on 14th November 2023.

          The Deputy Chief Minister in his speech said that not only Ahuna Festival is being celebrated but the Golden Jubilee of Zunheboto District is also being celebrated. He said that the festivals of the Nagas have unique features and ability to unite every section of the community without distinction. He said that each tribes has their own festival which is observed at different months of the year with their own story and significance. He added that the rich tradition and practices should be preserved and continued to be celebrated and handed down to the younger generations. Zeliang said that Zunheboto, known as the Land of Warriors, has been the cradle of many great personalities in various fields who have significantly contributed in the growth of the State. He added that Zunheboto district being strategically located, bordering 7 districts of the State, it could be the center of growth and cater to the needs of the neighbouring districts.

As the Minister in-charge of National Highway department, Zeliang said that his primary aim was to resolve the land compensation issue, which has been a major stumbling block for successful implementation of projects. He added that along with the Department officials of Works & Housing, he has been fervently taking up the matter of land compensation. He also said that during the review meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway, Nitin Gadkari at Guwahati on 30th of October, the Union Minister stated that the Union Government was ready to construct National Highways provided that land is available. He stated that due to fund constraint, it will be difficult for the State Government to construct quality roads on its own. Therefore, he requested the Tribal Hohos to take a strong and binding resolution along with the Village Councils on the matter. He stated that Article 371(A) of the Constitution should be protected, but those same rights given to us by the Constitution should not hamper the developmental activities.

Zeliang said that as Zunheboto District celebrates 50 years, he called on the people to reflect and get better with the years ahead. He added that with collective and sincere effort, Nagaland can be at par with the rest of the States. 

           Guest of honor, Advisor AH&VS, Kazheto Kinimi called on the youth to give importance to tribal festivals and preserve the rich culture and traditions. Citing the example of the Hornbill festival where people from all around the world come to see the rich cultural traditions of the Nagas, he encouraged the people to preserve the culture and traditions and to keep it intact. He called on the people to unite and work together for the upliftment of the society.

Greetings speeches was delivered by Tsapikiu Sangtam, President, Eastern Nagaland people organisation (ENPO); Kekhwengulo Lea, President, Tenyimia Union Nagaland and Khondad Ngully, President, Central Nagaland tribes Councils (CNTC).

Welcome speech was delivered by Kasheto Yeptho, President SKH, Lot casting(ASAKIQHI) by Hovishe Arkha, former President Sumi hoho, introduction and representation by Nikheto Zhimo, President Sumi hoho. The programme was chaired by Vihoshe Murru, Chairman SLB and vote of thanks was delivered by Hokishe Kiba, V.P Sumi hoho.

The celebration was graced by various cultural song and dances by Alahuto colony (Ahuna display), Laghilato colony (Folk dance, man), Project colony (Thishele), Amiphoto colony (Folk dance women) and South point colony (Indigenous song). 

(DPRO & Atobo, IA Zunheboto)