Yadav being received by officials during his visit to Wokha district on August 13. (Photo Courtesy: PRO Lok Bhavan)
Morung Express News
Wokha | August 13
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Thursday called for a people-centered approach to development in Wokha district, emphasizing sustainable livelihoods, youth empowerment, preservation of cultural heritage, and environmental conservation.
Interacting with district officials, community leaders, civil society representatives, and key stakeholders at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Conference Hall in Wokha, the Governor described Wokha as a district with rich cultural heritage, strong community traditions, fertile landscapes, and significant development potential.
Highlighting the importance of Lotha traditions and customary institutions, Yadav noted that values of mutual respect, collective responsibility, and social harmony remain essential amid rapid modernization.
He stressed that true development must be measured by its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens through quality education, accessible healthcare, reliable road connectivity, clean drinking water, electricity, and essential public services.
Pointing to Wokha’s potential in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, handicrafts, and entrepreneurship, the Governor urged greater support for farmers and local producers through processing facilities, technology adoption, value addition, and direct market linkages.
On youth empowerment, Yadav remarked that government employment alone cannot fulfill the aspirations of young people. He encouraged the youth to pursue entrepreneurship and skill development in agriculture, tourism, technology, creative industries, sports, and handicrafts.
Regarding education and healthcare, Yadav advocated for learning models that foster critical thinking, creativity, and civic responsibility, while urging a stronger focus on preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, and rural nutrition awareness.
Emphasizing the harmony between tradition and progress, the Governor highlighted the significance of Tokhü Emong, stating its values of thanksgiving, reconciliation, and community solidarity remain deeply relevant.
“Development must not mean replacing our traditions. It must mean preserving the best of our heritage while adapting it to contemporary needs,” Yadav said. He also praised Wokha’s community-led conservation of the Amur Falcon as a model of environmental stewardship and recommended exploring sustainable eco-tourism.
During the interaction, Er Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman of the Lotha Hoho, submitted a reminder representation requesting the improvement and declaration of the Wokha-Bokajan Road as a National Highway.
The representation noted that Wokha currently has only one National Highway (NH-2), which runs through the district headquarters for roughly 33 km. The Lotha Hoho recalled that previous appeal memorandums were submitted to former Governors R.N. Ravi (Nov 7, 2019), Prof. Jagdish Mukhi (Aug 14, 2022), and La Ganesan (June 15, 2023) without any action being taken.
Pointing out that the Nagaland State Cabinet had resolved on August 6, 2026, to recommend declaring the stretch a National Highway, the Lotha Hoho requested Governor Yadav to accord his consent to enable the road—starting at NH-2 in Wokha and terminating at NH-129 in Bokajan—to be elevated to National Highway status.
Meanwhile, the Lotha Eloe Hoho (LEH), led by President Thungbeni N Ngullie, submitted a representation highlighting the decline of traditional hand weaving due to machine-made fabrics. The LEH sought the establishment of a hand-weaving center in Wokha to document traditional patterns, mentor young women, and promote weaving as a sustainable avenue for skill development and female entrepreneurship.
A representation was also submitted by the Hindu Union, Wokha.
The Governor called on the district administration to maintain transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in public service delivery, highlighting that development is a shared responsibility between traditional institutions, civil society, and the government.
The first session of the interaction, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Wokha K Mhathung Tsanglao, saw participation from the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Youth Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union (LSU), and the Hindu Union.
In accordance with an advisory issued by the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), LSU President S Zubenthung Ngullie remained seated during the singing of the National Song and stood only for the National Anthem.
The second session involved departmental updates from agencies including the DRDA Wokha, District Agriculture Office, and District Horticulture Office, followed by an interaction with scheme beneficiaries.
Earlier on his arrival, Governor Yadav was accorded a Guard of Honour at the 24th Assam Rifles B Coy post in Wokha before proceeding to the Deputy Commissioner's Office.
