In a big development, Shamator sub-division of Tuensang district in Nagaland, has been declared as a full-fledged district. 

Shamator is now the newest and 16th district of Nagaland. 

The decision to upgrade Shamator into a district was taken during a meeting of the Nagaland cabinet on Wednesday. 

“As Shamator is officially recognised today as a full-fledged district, I congratulate the people of the newest district and wish them all the best in their endeavours,” said Nagaland deputy chief minister Y Patton. 

Patton added: “I also express sincere gratitude on this occasion to the YTC and the TTC for reaching an amicable understanding.” 

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Besides Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, deputy CM Y Patton and other cabinet ministers, leaders of the two tribal bodies of Shamator – Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Tikhir Tribal Council – also attended the meeting. 

On December 18, when three new districts of – Tseminyu, Niuland and Chumukedima – were created, the Nagaland government deferred granting of district status to Shamator, stating that it will be upgraded into a full-fledged district only if the two communities in the area – Yimkhiung and Tikhir – reach an understanding and remain united. 

Following denial of district status, the YTC, the apex body of the Yimkhiung tribe, launched an agitation on January 3 demanding upgrade of Shamator into a district. 

However, the agitations were suspended on January 6 following assurance from the Nagaland government that a third party would mediate negotiations between YTC and TTC and resolve the differences between the two tribes, before making any declaration. 

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The YTC and the TTC on January 13 during a crucial meeting with government officials reached an understanding, paving way for upgrading Shamator sub-division into a district. 

During Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, the two tribes also inked a memorandum of understanding that no coercive measure will be adopted by any of the tribal councils. 

Meanwhile, the Nagaland government also decided to recognise the Tikhir community as a major tribe of the state.