Kohima: Meluri is designated as Nagaland’s 17th district.

More than just a shift in administrative borders has occurred with the official recognition of Meluri as Nagaland’s 17th district. The native Pochury tribe calls this region their heartland. Let’s examine the potential this new district offers to both residents and visitors in order to fully understand its significance.

After a rift in the Phek district, Meluri was recently granted district status in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. This modification is a component of a larger strategy to promote local development and decentralize governance in Nagaland. Pochury Hoho, the governing body of the Pochury tribe, celebrated this judgment as a “significant achievement” and said it was a day of great significance for their community. Z. Nyusitho Nyuthe, the local MLA, was instrumental in this development.

Meluri comprises 31 designated communities and covers an area of about 1,011 square kilometers. The Pochury tribe, who have lived in this region for many years, use it as a hub for their culture and economy. The government recognizes the accomplishments of the Pochury people and gives them the ability to direct their own destiny by creating Meluri as a distinct district.

The Pochury Tribe’s home

The Pochury people, who have a strong bond with their land and culture, are renowned for their colorful festivals and traditional craftsmanship. They create everything from woodworking to complex weaving. Markets brimming with handcrafted cane furniture, salted salt, braided grass baskets, and black pottery from Ukhrul in Manipur can be found at Meluri. Every piece demonstrates the creativity of the tribe and the tales that have been passed down through the ages. A variety of native goods, including yams, snails, and wild foliage, can be found when strolling through the town’s marketing shed.

In keeping with their rich agricultural traditions, the Pochury people celebrate a number of traditional holidays, the most prominent of which is Chaga Ngu, a harvest festival. The neighborhood comes alive with dance, music, and delicious food during these gatherings, giving visitors a genuine experience of the native way of life.

Locations to Visit and Activities

Encircled by verdant hills and a variety of ecosystems, Meluri is a fusion of natural beauty and cultural charm. Despite its small size, its terrain offers visitors many amazing vistas and unforgettable experiences. Meluri, a district today, is situated at the nexus between tradition and development.

Shilloi Lake is a picturesque picnic area and avian refuge that is ideal for photography and bird watching, particularly around dawn and dusk. There are hiking routes in the vicinity of Shilloi Lake that lead to breathtaking vistas.

Wazeho Industrial Town: The district’s economic center is this up-and-coming town. Tourists can buy locally made salted salt, a region staple, and observe local companies in operation. Wazeho is renowned for its lively marketplaces and agricultural products.

Adventure Activities: Trekking and exploration are made possible by the rugged landscape surrounding Meluri. A haven for nature lovers, the verdant terrain is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The pathways lead to expansive vistas that provide breathtaking views of the area's breathtaking natural beauty.

Cultural Links: Get to know the people of Meluri to truly understand its spirit. Enroll in a weaving lesson to create your own grass basket or take a cooking class to master traditional Pochury cuisine. These practical encounters offer a genuine window into the customs and everyday life of the Pochury people.

Local Festivals: Packed with dancing, music, and eating, the local festivals are a colorful representation of Pochury culture. Taking part in these festivities provides a window into the history, values, and camaraderie of the tribe.

Meluri’s designation as a district draws attention to its cultural diversity and development possibilities, beckoning residents and tourists to enjoy its unique fusion of natural beauty and legacy.
How to Get There and Around

Meluri is easily accessible from Nagaland’s major cities thanks to its excellent road connections. Phek is the closest town, and there are local transportation alternatives there. To get to the location, tourists can take local buses or book a taxi. It is advised to prepare your lodging and transportation in advance because Meluri is a recently declared area and its infrastructure is still being developed.
Meluri has enormous potential for growth and development as it embarks on its journey as a new district. Given its closeness to the Myanmar border, the region’s business potential is highlighted by the construction of an International Trade Center (ITC) in adjacent Avangkhu. Trade and tourism are made possible by this advantageous location, which can greatly strengthen the local economy. But there are drawbacks to these options. It will be essential to strike a balance between modernity and cultural heritage preservation. Making sure that development is in line with the beliefs and goals of the local community is crucial as more tourists are brought to Meluri.
At a recent Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Nagaland government formally designated Meluri as the 17th district of the state following the division of Phek district.

Along with Tseminyu, Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Shamatore, the Meluri subdivision—which is mainly inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe—is the sixth district to be established in Nagaland in recent years.

Z. Nyusitho Nyuthe, a local MLA, thanked the Chief Minister and the Chakhesang community for their support.

Covering 1,011 square kilometers, Meluri is home to 31 officially recognized villages in addition to important locations like the ITC at Avangkhu, close to the Myanmar border, and Wazeho Industrial Town. The tribe’s governing body, the Pochury Hoho, hailed this announcement as a significant turning point for their society.