The Nagaland Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has approved the creation of Meluri as the state’s 17th district, bifurcating it from Phek district. The decision was announced by Forest Minister and government spokesperson CL John following a Cabinet meeting.
Meluri, primarily home to the Pochury Naga tribe, will be the fifth new district established in Nagaland in the past three years. The Rio administration previously created Tseminyu, Chumoukedima, and Niuland in December 2021 by dividing Dimapur, and formed Shamator in January 2022 from parts of Tuensang district.
Local MLA Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, who also serves as Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, warmly welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude to CM Rio and thanking the Chakhesang community, the majority in Phek district, for supporting the Pochury tribe’s aspirations.
Meluri spans 1,011 square kilometers and includes 31 recognized villages and four administrative centers. The new district also encompasses the industrial town of Wazeho and the International Trade Centre in Avangkhu, near the Myanmar border.
