Pochury elderly women on their way to attend the inauguration programme on Meluri District on February 21. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 22
The development of the International Trade Centre (ITC) at Avangkhu has the potential to fulfil the Act East Policy in Nagaland sector.
This was stated by Meluri Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao while presenting Meluri District Profile during the inaugural programme of the Meluri district by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on February 21. Various infrastructure developments at ITC in Avangkhu will expedite trade and commerce activities, Tsanglao said.
Meluri district is the home of the Pochury Naga community. The journey of Meluri Headquarters as an administrative unit started off as Chairman Bench Court in 1958 and a year later was upgraded to Circle Office. It became Assistant Commissioner II in 1962, EAC Hq. in 1969, SDO(C) Hq in 1991, ADC Hq in 2007 and finally on November 2, 2024, Meluri was declared as the 17th district of Nagaland.
In addition to the District headquarter (DC office), there are three EAC Headquarters at Phokhungri, Phor and Lephory. There are 31 recognised villages. Meluri HQ lies 166 kms from Kohima.
The total geographical area of the district is about 1,011 sq km. The district is bounded by Manipur state in the South, Phek in the west, Zunheboto and Kiphire districts towards the north and shares international boundary with Myanmar in the East.
The DC Meluri informed that the total population according to the census figure of 2011 stands at 22,588 but given the 14 years gap the population may be projected to stand at around 30,000.
Meluri district is a mountainous region with rocky portions and fertile lands on gentle slopes and along the river banks. The Tizu River which forms an important drainage system in the eastern part of Nagaland, meanders through this district, and exits at Avangkhu, village where the International Trade Centre is located, to join the Chindwin River in Myanmar. The district is blessed with natural resources like limestones, decorative marble stone and other minerals.
“It is also rich in flora and fauna, with vast tracts of land covered in evergreen forest,” DC stated.
The only cement factory in Nagaland is at Weziho. Meluri district is connected to the state capital through National Highway-29 and National Highway 202. NH 202 passing through Meluri connects with Kiphire, Tuensang and Mokokchung. NH 202K starting from Akhegwo connects Meluri to ITC, Avangkhu.
As per 2011 census, the literacy rate of the district is lower than the state average of 79.55% but will have surely increased in the last 14 years, the DC said.
Impending Challenges
Tsanglao suggested that education sector needs an impetus with special focus on increasing female literacy.
Deforestation for commercial exploitation is an area of concern and people dependent on this activity have to be weaned away to other productive economic activities, he said. Conservation as well as preservation mechanisms have to be put into place to protect the ecology and environment.
In the health sector the need for a district hospital for delivery of better health care would be one genuine desire of the people, so also the establishment of a college, it will reduce the cost and travel time.
While road connectivity to the villages exists, there is need for all weather roads because of the hilly terrain. Skill development and training programs and promotion of sports can help the youth find some self- employment.
“Potential for eco-tourism is seen given the natural forests and rugged mountains and natural formations like Shilloi Lake and the serpentine Tizu River can facilitate river rafting and angling sport can be promoted to usher in local employment and income generation in the district,” DC stated. Well planned extraction of natural resources could provide gainful employment and boost the local economy.
“Acknowledging the magnanimity of the Government of the day in fulfilling the aspiration of the Pochury people by upgrading Meluri to the status of a district, it is envisaged that this action will go a long way in the social and economic development process of Meluri district to bring it at par with the other districts,” the DC added.
‘Be ambassador and crusader of peace’
Commenting on Meluri district sharing international boundary with Myanmar, Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs, Minister, KG Kenye said, “You are corridor for our state. You will provide the gateway for this state, for the north eastern region and for the entire country.”
Meluri will be playing a very pivotal role in all senses (Socio-economic, political, religious, culture) in balancing and maintaining a relationship between two nations (India & Myamar), he said.
Kenye said that Meluri district of Pochury brothers, will henceforth, be the vanguard, ambassador and crusader of peace and symbol of unity and understanding. He urged upon the Pochury community to provide the best corridor “for people living in this part.”
Nagaland NRE & NSDMA Advisor, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, who is elected representative from 20th Meluri
Assembly Constituency said “The creation of Meluri district is historic important as it is located in the most strategic part of Nagaland, as the entire East is bounded by Myanmar, where the shortest connectivity to the South-East Asian countries” (From Avakhung to Shira (Myanmar) 16 kms; from Shira to Leyshi administrative Hq 21 kms; from Leyshi to New Thamanti Port 41 miles).
Presently, two-lane road connectivity is undertaken till the boundary which is expected to complete by the end of this year.The proposed Tizu-Zungki Inland Waterway will link to New Thamanti port.
This corridor will significantly boost the economy of the state, once fully operationalised, Nyuthe said.
‘Donate land for development’
Nagaland Chief Secretary Dr J Alam maintained that the people will greatly benefit from the creation of the new district as District form the most important unit of the administration, which designs most schemes, plans and projects for the people.
Stating that land is the basic requirement of all developmental activities, he said “Since land will be required to develop many facilities, we in the government would aspect that the land owners and the people at large contribute their lands for development purposes.” As we embark on this journey (creation of Meluri district), be mindful of the challenges that lies ahead and remember that the success of the district rely on collective effort, he said, adding that building a community and nation requires vision, resilience and unity.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you become a model of development and good governance, a hub of innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and progress, Dr Alam said.
Extending congratulations to Pochury community, Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Vezuhu Keyho said, “We, the Chakhesang people, share a long and profound bond with our Pochury brothers and sisters. For decades, we walked together under the banner of Phek District, united in our struggles and aspirations. Today, while our administrative paths may diverge, our ties of history, culture, and kinship will remain strong and unbreakable.”
As neighbours and well-wishers, we stand with you in friendship and solidarity and may the bond between our two communities continue to grow stronger in the years to come, Keyho added.
Pochury Hoho President, Chonpa Jurry also made a special plea to the state government for upgradation of EAC Phokhungri HQ to that of SDO (C) or ADC HQs for administrative convenience.
