Hills Hornbill Express completes 10 years, a milestone of hard work & hope, pays tribute to Former NPO President Mathibo Dili & others

Senapati: Started a decade ago in a small rented cabin room in Senapati DHQ with 3 (three) young minds namely N. Rong, K. Athikho and Peter Adani, the Hills Hornbill Express (HHE) an English daily newspaper on November 7 completed its 10 years journey. A milestone achieved with hard work & hope for many young people who contributed in different capacities, today, the HHE served as the voice of the people especially Senapati district with publication of the newspaper for the past 10 years. The staff and management of HHE have extended its gratitude to all its readers, critics and well-wishers on the occasion. It is through the support of its readers, well wishers and general public that the HHE could sail through the past 10 years through sun and rain.

The HHE also paid rich tribute to Late Mathibo Dili, former president of Naga People’s Organization (NPO) who was instrumental in motivating the young minds to establish a newspaper in Senapati district. HHE also remembers the life and service of Late S. Rolland, a dedicated young technician who passed away in 2016 while serving in HHE. Late Joseph Kuba, former Regional Director, IGNOU was a great encourager and motivator behind the young minds who started the newspaper at the moment when it was needed the most in Senapati in the midst of agitations, bandh and blockades. Their precious lives for the cause and service of HHE will always remain in the legacy of the humble endeavor. At such moment, newspapers coming from Imphal were cut off and HHE served the need of the people in airing the people’s voice informing them the news of the outside world.

According to founding member and Editor, Peter Adani, pioneers like N. Rong and K. Athikho stood as strong pillars to sustain and carry forward the journey. With able support from all, HHE remembers the then Senapati DC P. K Jha, DC Jacintha Lazarus and SBI for availing resources to manage the newspaper despite other difficulties. The newspaper house is also the success story of PMEGP scheme for young entrepreneurs through the intervention of DIC Senapati.

Today, the challenge continues and HHE management reaffirmed their commitment to serve the public with journalism and its moral duties. “With over 20 young staff members drawn from different communities, HHE is committed to upgrade, modernize and expand its service in near future,” informed Editor Peter.