Meluri inaugurated as Nagaland’s 17th district

Chief Minister Rio names it 'Land of Fortunes'

Our Correspondent
Meluri | February 21

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today inaugurated Meluri as the 17th and youngest district of the state. The creation of Meluri district, carved out from Phek district, was notified by the state government on November 2, 2024. 

The CM thanked the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) who had recommended and gave no objection for creation of the new district. "Today, you have got a new district. Yet, continue that brotherhood, oneness, among yourself and with the rest of the Naga tribes, he told the Pochury community,” he stated.

Rio named Meluri as a ‘Land of Fortune' due to the district's abundance in minerals, biodiversity, the beautiful Shiloi Lake, the Awanngkhu International Trade Center, its international connection  to Southeast Asia through Myanmar and the Tizu river where a waterway is being proposed to connect with the Chindwin. 

With an administrative coming to their doorstep, Rio stressed on a new beginning with development packages.  Government will do as what is necessary, he assured, and maintained that “tourists want to see us, our rich culture and traditions, which we are upholding, protecting, promoting.”

Rio meanwhile spoke on the importance of meritocracy and said that now people can compete to become an officer through the NPSC or NSSB exams. “The time has come, a meritocracy, the best will get the job,” he said. He also spoke about the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arugaya Yojana. 

The CM stressed on the insurance benefits aimed at supporting families in times of crisis. “For those people who are the breadwinners of the family, if they die of sickness, the family will receive insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh,” Rio said. He added that individuals who suffer the loss of an arm, leg, or eye due to an accident are eligible for Rs 1 lakh in insurance support.

“The government has many good programs for the people. You have to participate and get the benefit. You have to come forward,” Rio urged.

And for those who cannot get into government job, in competitive exams, the CM informed about the Chief Minister's Microfinance initiative. Under this, entrepreneurs and businesses can avail loan upto Rs. 15 lakhs without any collateral or mortgage, he stated. 

He further asked the political parties to go to each village with officers and explain these schemes to the people.

He meanwhile attributed the lack of major projects in the state to the unresolved Naga political issue, saying that no significant central projects were coming in and that the state was progressing at a normal pace.

"Because of the Naga political issue, there is no big project coming, no central project coming, and we are going only normal. That's why the state government's step is how to bring a solution so that we can also participate, like any other citizen, free from all these problems, and do business," he said.

He expressed dismay over divisions within Naga society and political groups. "Our Naga society, our political groups are thoroughly divided. Unity is the answer. We need peace so that we can grow together," he said.

On the law and order situation, he highlighted that Nagaland was listed as having the lowest crime rate in the country.

"That means the least crime rate, less problem, and the safest state for women to live. We have to strengthen ourselves, and we have to come together," he said. He added that economic activities required investment in the state. "Now to do economic activities, you need people to come and invest in our land. I feel that Nagaland and the youth is ready to march forward. We need development."

He stressed the need to broaden discussions beyond politics to include economic growth.

"We need to talk not only politics, but we need to discuss economy. We have so much resources. Oil and petroleum and natural gas in the west, in the east, we have so rich minerals," he said.

He noted that while Nagaland was resource-rich, internal challenges had prevented the state from fully utilizing its potential.

"And Nagaland is a rich state, but because of our own situations, because of our disunity, our resources are not exploited. We don't have our own resources, that is the constraint," he said.

"If we could exploit oil and natural gas, or the rich mineral deposits that we have, we'll not only be helping ourselves, but we'll be contributing to the country," he said.

"Let peace, unity prevail, so that prosperity and development will come," he added.

Nagaland Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, K G Kenye; NRE & NSDMA Advisor Z Nyusietho Nyuthe and Chief Secretary Dr J Alam also spoke during the programme. CPO President Vezuhü Keyho shared greetings while Pochury Hoho President Chonpa Jurry delivered the welcome address.

Meluri Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao shared Meluri District’s profile while the vote thanks was proposed by Pochury Hoho Vice President Siewatho S. Nyusou.