ACI Political Science students undertake visit to Khonoma

Kohima, February 3 (MExN): The Department of Political Science, Asufii Christian Institute (ACI), Punanamei, Mao, undertook an academic visit to Khonoma village, located about 20 kilometres from Kohima, as part of its pedagogical engagement with lived histories, cultural institutions and socio-political landscapes.

The visit was led by Dr. Soreiphy K, head of the Department of Political Science, ACI, and accompanied by Dr. Adani Kollo, Dean of Students, Chovoni Cheng, faculty member, and 44 students. The academic tour was guided by a local resident, Ketu, who contextualised Khonoma as a historically significant political community.

During the visit, students were informed that Khonoma, locally known as Khwunomia, derives its name from Khwuno, a plant found abundantly in the area, and Mia, meaning dwellers. The explanation highlighted the link between identity, territory and ecology within indigenous political thought.

Khonoma was presented as an example of pre-colonial political organisation, having functioned historically as a self-governing village with defined territorial boundaries. These boundaries were protected by the Kharu, a traditional wooden gate symbolising sovereignty and collective security. The present stone structure replacing the original Kharu was explained as a continuation of this political symbolism.

The visit also focused on Khonoma’s role in resistance to colonial expansion, particularly the Anglo-Khonoma War of 1879–1880, which marked the final armed resistance of the Angami Nagas against British intrusion into the Naga Hills. The war memorial commemorating British officials killed during the conflict was discussed as a site that raises questions about colonial power, violence and historical narration.

Students were briefed on the internal organisation of Khonoma into three major khel units—Thevo-ma, Merhu-ma and Semo-ma—which historically served as foundational units of governance, regulating social conduct, defence and collective decision-making. Reconstructed forts within these khels, especially the Semo-ma Fort, were highlighted to illustrate indigenous military and strategic capacities.

The academic tour also covered the role of traditional morungs, or bachelors’ dormitories, as institutions of political socialisation. These spaces historically trained young men in discipline, leadership, warfare and communal responsibility. Although no longer active in their original form, preserved morungs were described as continuing to transmit political memory through artefacts and oral narratives.

Khonoma’s contemporary status as Asia’s first green village was presented as reflecting a shift from armed resistance to engagement with modern state structures. Its emphasis on environmental conservation, community-managed resources and collective decision-making was discussed as an alternative governance model. The visit included nearby Dzuleke village and the Heunambe cave and waterfall, which were used to further discussions on ecological governance and indigenous stewardship.

The academic visit concluded with discussions on Khonoma as a living political site demonstrating the evolution of governance from indigenous self-rule and colonial resistance to participatory and sustainable practices.