KG Kenye, Kudecho Khamo and other dignitaries during 13th general conference of CMA Thenyizumi village on April 11. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 11
The Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) on April 11 held its 13th General Conference at Thenyizumi village in Phek district under the theme “Give to gain.”
Gracing the conference at the special guest, Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister, KG Kenye maintained that the upright women with strong character and moral will go a long way in building a safe, secure and prosperous society. “The society will never go wrong when your character and moral are strong,” he said.
Kenye told the Chakhesang mothers to be mindful of the various dimensions in the present society between religion and education, advancement and modernity, civilization and the way of life. He opined that the changes must be embraced but one need to uphold the rich culture, tradition and customary practices. Kenye lauded Chakhesang mothers for preserving and practicing the rich culture, tradition and customs. He told them to differentiate the merits and demerits and focus on a balanced life. Lauding the pivotal role of women in the society, he said that they salvage the nations in times of trouble and emergency situations.
Commenting on 33% women reservation, he wanted to see that it does not bring in fighting among the women folk and dismantle unity. Kenye warned the women folk to be conscious of such situations.
The guest of honour, Nagaland CAWD & Taxes advisor Kudecho Khamo urged upon the women folk to propagate the rich culture and tradition to children. He told them to teach their children on the impact of trustworthiness and hard work to building a worthy and robust society. Khamo also told the CMA to frame a comprehensive strategy for all round development of women in the society. He stressed on the need to adopt the concept of “One Family, One Project” for a sustainable livelihood and to improve family’s economy.
Sharing greetings, Vezuhu Keyho President Chakhesang Public Organisation said that women are peacemakers in the society. He urged upon the CMA to continue to play as a platform of strong social connection for a healthy and prosperous society.
CMA President Zhonelu Tunyi in her address thanked the various individuals and frontal organizations for their cooperation and support extended to CMA during its tenure. She said that CMA, formed in 1984, has been playing the role of voicing for voiceless, a voice for positive change, development and progress across all areas.
Later, a collaborative programme between CMA and State Institute of Rural Development Nagaland (SIRD) also took place with Risuhlu Rhakho, Consultant, SIRD Nagaland as the resource person, who spoke on the topic “Building women and girl-friendly villages.” Meanwhile, the nomination committee has announced the new team of CMA for the tenure 2026-28 with Zhonelu Tunyi as president. Vice presidents- Neichulou Tsuzu and Kezevinuo Krome, general secretary- Thujongolu Veswu, joint secretary- Nuzolu Rhakho, treasurer- Vechovolu Kotso, finance secretaries- Weteu Wetsah and Vekhruyilu Nienu, publicity and media secretary- Vetanelu Nyekha and socio & cultural secretary- Kevesetalu Lohe.
CMA champions women’s rights, community welfare
The CMA has undertaken a series of social initiatives between 2023 and 2025, focusing on women's rights, community welfare, and election integrity, its General Secretary Kezevinuo Krome announced. Krome said CMA’s activities have centred on the organisation's core aims and objectives: tackling important and current social issues through seminars, workshops, rallies, and public platforms. The organisation has actively advocated against domestic violence, human trafficking, and drug abuse, while promoting women's healthcare, legal rights, and HIV & AIDS awareness, with special focus on pregnant women and children. It has also championed women's leadership, sustainable livelihoods, and gender equity.
CMA additionally conducts regular checks on the illegal infiltration and sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) within Chakhesang jurisdiction. During the last Nagaland Legislative Assembly election campaign, CMA established around 100 checkpoints across the Chakhesang jurisdiction of Phek district to curb the free flow of IMFL and deter anti-social elements. “This sacrifice of our mothers has lessened liquor influence amongst the voters, road accidents, street fights and family fights, bringing peace to our families and our community at large,” she said.
CMA has also worked alongside the Chakhesang Public Organisation, Chakhesang Clean Election Movement, Chakhesang Students Union, and Chakhesang Youth Front to ensure free, fair and inducement-free elections in the district.
In 2023, CMA organised a solidarity prayer programme for conflict-affected Manipur, seeking divine intervention to restore peace and unity to the state. Together with seven other tribal women's organisations in Nagaland, CMA also held a solidarity prayer in Kohima against violence targeting women and the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
In 2024, CMA organised awareness programmes on the 33% women's reservation for Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Chozuba, Pfutsero, and Phek town. Expressing deep concern over rape cases and atrocities against women over the past three years, Krome said CMA had issued public condemnations and worked closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for victims and the severest punishment for perpetrators under the law.
CMA also lauded Er Vevotolü Kezo, who became the first IAS officer (regular recruit) from the Chakhesang community.
