The Sumi Hoho has asked the Centre to push for a “final, honourable and mutually acceptable conclusion” to the Naga political issue and urged authorities to consider the religious sensitivities of communities while using Vande Mataram in official programmes.
The demands were placed before Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav during his first visit to Zunheboto district headquarters on Monday. The apex tribal body submitted a representation outlining its concerns and development priorities, according to an official statement.
On the Naga political issue, the Hoho called for the ongoing process to be pursued in line with the Framework Agreement signed between the Centre and the NSCN-IM in 2015 and the Agreed Position reached with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups in 2017. It asked Yadav to take its concerns and aspirations up with the appropriate authorities.
The Hoho said it respected Vande Mataram and all national symbols but pointed to religious imagery in some of the National Song’s later stanzas. It said this could create difficulties for people of certain faiths, particularly Christians, and urged the authorities to factor in the faith and conscience of different communities when deciding official protocols involving the song.
The representation also focused on healthcare and infrastructure in Zunheboto. The Hoho sought an increase in the capacity of Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital from 75 to 100 beds and called for sufficient doctors, nurses, medicines, equipment and diagnostic facilities.
It also pressed for progress on the proposed Showuba-Pangsha East-West Corridor. The road project, which would pass through Zunheboto towards Shamator, was described by the Hoho as important for linking the western, central and eastern parts of Nagaland and strengthening economic and social connectivity.
During his district visit, Yadav reviewed the functioning of the administration and stressed that government schemes and services must reach people in remote areas effectively.
The Governor also called for improvements in school attendance, student retention and learning outcomes. He stressed that healthcare centres at different levels should remain operational and adequately staffed and equipped.
Yadav further highlighted the need to improve electricity, drinking water and digital connectivity. On roads, he called for emphasis on durable construction and quality so that public funds were not repeatedly spent on the same stretches.
