Pfutsero, August 22 (MExN): A consultative meeting organized by Khezha Area Public Organization (KAPO) has endorsed the usage of Khezha and not Kuzha in all aspects. The meeting was held on August 17 at Baptist Theological College (BTC), Pfutsero with N. Neilo Pulo Koza as Sessional Chairman and Ezekiel Ketsu as Sessional Secretary.
A press release from Media Cell of the meeting informed that the meeting appreciated the predecessors for having keen desire to work for the welfare of the Khezha area people and forming Khezha Area Public Organization. However, it pointed out, in due course of time, “some individuals with varied notions and divisive ideas had put forth various divisive title usages or nomenclatures which only created much confusion in the mindset of the people and that the present imbroglio of introducing Kuzha to the already existing Khezha is one such without any arrived consensus or unanimous decision,” the release added.
Therefore, with the desire to uphold the “genuine origin history” and “official recognition usage”, the meeting re-endorsed the usage of ‘Khezha Area’. It also decided not to “acknowledge, participate or be part of the new usage Kuzha or Kuzha Area Public Organization”. Moreover, the house endorsed and recognized the already established allied organizations such as Khezha Area Wrestling Association (KAWA) and Khezha Area Games and Sport’s Association (KAGSA).
D. Kemvu Koza, President, Khezhakeno Outside Dweller’s Union (KODU); Mosa Koza, VCC, Sodzulhou Village, Dimapur; Z. Kepfelhou Koza on behalf of VCC 7th Mile Village, Dimapur; and Timikha Koza, VCM, Khezhakeno village spoke on the occasion.
They highlighted the significance of ‘Khezha’ title and its genuine identification to Khezha speaking people also known as the ‘Kozami’, the release stated. It was explained that the word ‘Ko’ means strength/victory, ‘Za’ means reward/ merit and ‘Mi’ means its people. However, in the present situation, the word ‘Khezha’ and the title ‘Khezha area’ is officially recognized by the CPO. In this context, the gathering was reminded to take note of the language research work done by Dr. Kedutso Kapfo. It was further highlighted that the State Government of Nagaland under the Department of School Education has also recognized the Khezha language as an indigenous language subject.
Meanwhile, the meeting reaffirmed to stand united under the banner of Khezha Area Public Organization and re-endorsed Khezha area as the organization’s operating area.
It expressed unwavering solidarity to Chakhesang as a tribe, which came into being on January 10, 1945. Further, it acknowledged the immense contribution of the predecessors for bringing the Chakhesang people together and coining the nomenclature Chakhesang - ‘Cha’ for Chokri, ‘Khe’ for Khezha, and ‘Sang’ for Sangtam. The meeting also reaffirmed allegiance to the apex Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO).
Other guest speakers in the meeting were Disamu Puro, Senior Citizen of Pfutsero Town, Yekhuse Tureng, Former Chairman, Pfutsero Town Council, Vengozo Thira, CHIKO Advisor and Murhasayi Murao, Chairman, Pfutsero Town Citizens Welfare Forum. The speakers laid emphasis on the need to maintain Chakhesang’s unity. “Therefore, any divisive attitude or divisive leadership should not come in the way or hamper the Chakhesang’s unity.”
Another speaker opined that Pfutsero is a people’s centric town representing the Chakhesang sentiments in all walks of life, as such; he called upon the people to stand united in making Pfutsero town a people’s town.
