Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the Hornbill Festival has evolved from a roadshow concept into a nationally recognised cultural event, with growing international participation over the years.
Addressing the second day of the Tsungkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival at Shamator, Dr. Rio thanked God for the pleasant weather and extended his greetings and blessings to the Yimkhiung community. He wished the people a bountiful harvest in 2026 and said Tsungkamnyo symbolises happiness and friendship, not only within families but also by welcoming tribes beyond borders to foster peace and unity.
The Chief Minister said that in the previous edition of the Hornbill Festival, participants from six countries took part, underlining its expanding global reach. He, however, noted that some international participants faced visa restrictions due to national policies, adding that the Nagaland cabinet had written to the Centre seeking relaxation of such restrictions.
Dr. Rio also recalled that the British had recognised the distinct identity and strong governance of the Nagas, which led to the introduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 to safeguard Naga traditions and customs.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat”, the Chief Minister said India aims to become a developed nation by 2047 and urged citizens to focus on all-round development.
S Kiusumew, Advisor spoke on the significance of Tsungkamnyo, describing it as a festival rooted in year-long preparation by forefathers. He urged the present generation living in an era of peace and development, to act responsibly and work toward a better future.
The program was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Minister for Forest and Environment CL John, MLA and Advisor HG&CD and F&ES S. Kiusumew, Advisor for YRS S Keoshu Yimchunger, along with leaders from various tribal bodies, senior officials and other dignitaries.
CM inaugurates new DC office complex in Shamator
Coinciding with the Tsungkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival of the Yimchungru tribe, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on January 16, 2026, inaugurated the new Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in Shamator along with five associated offices—the Superintendent of Police, District Public Relations Office (DPRO), District Youth Resources Office (DYRO), District Planning Office (DPO–Planning) and the District Sericulture Office.
The inauguration aims to serve the people more efficiently and strengthen the institutional framework of the district administration.
Speaking at the inaugural program, the Chief Minister acknowledged and thanked the departmental engineers, contractors, workers and the local community for their dedication, cooperation and support in making the projects a reality for the people of the district.
Dr Rio said that Shamator, being one of the newly created districts of Nagaland, was established with the objective of bringing administration closer to the people and ensuring inclusive and balanced development. However, he noted that the absence of a fully functional Deputy Commissioner’s office had posed challenges in effective governance, coordination among departments, delivery of public services and implementation of government schemes.
He said the inauguration of the offices would address these gaps and lay a strong foundation for efficient district administration.
Asserting that the Deputy Commissioner is the principal administrative and executive authority at the district level—responsible for revenue administration, maintenance of law and order, disaster management, development planning and coordination among line departments – Dr Rio said the establishment of these offices is a critical step towards strengthening governance, improving service delivery and ensuring the overall welfare of the people. He added that the establishment of a Treasury and Sub-Treasury Office would depend on the necessity of transactions.
The Chief Minister urged the citizens of Shamator district to take collective responsibility in maintaining and making the best use of the facilities so that they truly serve the purpose for which they were created. He said the DC complex should become a centre of efficient, transparent and citizen-centric governance.
Dr Rio also extended Tsungkamnyo greetings to the people and expressed hope that the new office complex would usher in a new era of effective administration and sustainable development for Shamator district.
