Kohima, March 30 Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) leader Neibodzelie Solo was elected as the chairperson of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) on Monday, while Thenusou Sekhose has been appointed as his deputy.
Of the 19 councillors present, all voted in favour of Solo and Sekhose, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem said.
Three councillors had requested leave due to health reasons.
The positions had been vacant since February, following the resignation of Neikhozo Suokhrie as chairperson and Khrielievi Chusi as deputy chairperson. The two leaders, also belonging to the NPF, had resigned due to health reasons.
Thanking Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Solo said he would work for the betterment of the town.
Deputy chairperson Sekhose said that internal challenges are "a natural part" of democratic institutions, but "the council has now overcome a difficult phase and will move forward in unity".
Regarding the long-standing issue of unpaid salaries of KMC staff, Sekhose said the crisis predates the recent urban local body elections.
She attributed the financial strain largely to the ban on tollgate collections, which earlier served as a major source of revenue.
Noting that limited revenue-generation avenues and lack of assets have impacted the council's financial sustainability, she said additional financial support would be required to make it self-sustaining.
Sekhose said the council is exploring ways to enhance revenue generation and achieve financial stability.
NPF's Kohima Town president Metekhrielie Mejura expressed hope that all 19 councillors, cutting across party lines, would work collectively to serve the people.
In the 2024 elections to the KMC, held after 20 years, the NPF won 13 seats, while the NPP secured three, and three Independent candidates also won.