A view of Kutsapo village.
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | May 8
Kutsapo village is the birth place of Village Development Board (VDB) in Nagaland.
It came into being on December 11, 1976, under the patronage of AM Gokhale, the then deputy commissioner of Phek along with Dukhuyi Vadeo as the first VDB secretary. The first VDB members included Rakhuyi Rhakho, Vekhayi Chizo and Vephunu Rhakho.
Vephuhu Khesoh was the first chairman of Kutsapo Village Council.
Later on, VDB was implemented throughout the state of Nagaland under the leadership of Vamuzo Phesao, former chief minister of Nagaland.
Thus, the concept of VDB became imperative for delivering rural development activities throughout the state, according to the publication which was brought out during the inauguration of the VDB village building constructed in remembrance of Gokhale and Vamuzo in April 2021.
The birth of the concept of VDB was formed keeping in mind the importance of local self governance in the rural areas of Nagaland, the publication stated.
Gokhale proposed that a body be named as either “Village Development Board” or “Village Trusteeship Board” wherein the public preferred VDB as they like the word development.
The concept was first developed and initiated by Vamuzo and AM Gokhale.
In its meeting in 1976, Gokhale proposed that a body be formed in the village to achieve five points objective that- the government would come down to the village level instead of the villagers going to the government, the villagers will get benefit through several schemes, the village community would enjoy local self government and the banking system would become a common phenomenon in the near future.
About Kutsapo village
Kutsapo is located at a distance of 10 Km from Phek district HQ.
It is the biggest village in Tizu area with 450 households over a population of 2000.
The village is blessed with favorable climatic and geographical conditions serving as a natural sanctuary conducive for diverse biodiversity of both flora and fauna species.
The village is primarily an agrarian community with 90% of the population engaged in agricultural activities as a year round occupation.
Jhum and terrace cultivation are predominant land use pattern for agriculture.
Rice is the major staple crop and along with it maize, ginger, cardamom and other cash crops are cultivated.
In the realm of religion, Christianity first came in 1948. The first converts and pioneers which venture to spread the gospel of Christianity were Late T. Vesatso Khusoh, Late Mushizo Lohe, Late Velupu Vadeo and Zachilhu Rhakho.
Baptist is the only denomination of the village till date.
Naga Shisha Hoho
Naga Shisha Hoho- a spiritual awakening programme of God to fulfill the prophecies originated from Kutsapo.
The word Shisha was coined through the divine revelation meaning “doing in obedience” was given exclusively for the Nagas through Chosayi Lohe from Kutsapo with the purpose of working towards Naga reconciliation.
The Naga Shisha Hoho meeting was first held at Kutsapo in 1991 followed by subsequent meetings.
The most historic one was held on November 26-28, 1993 at Kutsapo and with around 15,000 delegates.
The movement called Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was established under the divine guidance of Naga Shisha Hoho.
Tail piece
The road to this first VDB village is not smooth at all, which require immediate attention from the state government.
Nagaland’s planning & development, land resources and parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu during his recent visit to this village informed that he will take up the matter with the state government.
An observer felt that the government needs to take up the road improvement work with urgency to maintain the pride of the first VDB village in Nagaland.
