Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Meluri as the 17th district of the state during a function held recently at Meluri public ground.
Meluri was earlier a sub-division under the Phek district. It was upgraded to a full-fledged district on November 2, 2024.
The official inaugural function was organized by Pochury Hoho, the apex tribal body in collaboration with the district administration.
The event was attended by several ministers, legislators, Naga tribal leaders, and thousands of people belonging to the Pochury community.
As part of the celebrations, the chief minister unveiled a monolith marking the inauguration of the district. He also inaugurated the multidiscipline sports stadium at Meluri on the occasion.
Rio congratulated the Pochury people on the formation of the new district, stating it heralds a new chapter of growth, development, and progress.
Calling Meluri the ‘land of fortunes’, he spoke about the district’s natural and cultural wealth, including Shiloi Lake, Tizu River, and the Trade Centre at Avakhung.
“Meluri is bestowed with Shilloi Lake, Tizu River (which connects to the Chindwin River), and the International Trade Centre at Avakhung,” he said.
Rio said the ‘land of fortunes’ sobriquet has been given after due consultation because of the district’s wealth in terms of mineral deposits, biodiversity, the beautiful Shiloi Lake, and Tizu River.
Highlighting Meluri’s potential, he said, “Its 34 villages spread over 1,011 sq. km have rich biodiversity and huge natural and mineral resources besides having a rich cultural heritage.”
He also lauded the sagacity of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), the apex body of the Phek district of which Pochury was part until the separation. Rio praised the CPO leadership for their support in recommending and issuing the “No Objection Certificate” for the district’s formation.
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He said the Pochury tribe that inhabits Meluri district has a total population of around 30,000, adding that the literacy rate is high in the district, with more than 150 government officers from the tribe.
Rio said that the Nagaland government would work for the district’s development but stressed the need for active participation from the local population for its sustainable progress.
