Dimapur, August 12 (MExN): With reference to the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) statement published on August 9 regarding the use of GI- registered Chakhesang Textiles by Mora, North East Network (NEN) Resource Centre, Chizami said “it regrets the current face-off between CWWS and Mora Founder Ritika Mittal.”
NEN in a press release expressed hope that “the complaint raised by the CWWS is resolved between the two parties through an amicable understanding and responsive interaction that will secure all the interests of the parties, including the preservation, conservation and continuation of tradition.”
It informed that NEN initiated ‘Chizami Weaves’ in 2008 that focuses on the promotion of Naga loin-loom products and also to ensure an additional source of income for women. Currently NEN engages with 700 weavers from Phek, Tuensang and Kohima districts.
NEN has worked with Mora (Ritika Mittal) on Thebvo project in Zapami and Lasumi villages under Phek district of Nagaland between 2014 till December 2020, with the main aim to promote natural fibres -Thebvo (Stinging nettle plant) while creating a livelihood option for the community especially women artisans who are farmers. “We regret to see the unfolding of this unfortunate incident between Mora and CWWS after NEN withdrew from the project in December 2020 owing to our overwhelming preoccupation with our multiple projects,” it stated.
Whilst partnering with (2014-2020) Mora (Ritika Mittal), through the Thebvo project NEN engaged with 50 women artisans. NEN and Mora also conducted numerous trainings on development of finer-quality yarn, production, inventory management, quality control and team building values etc were imparted to the artisans. A significant outcome of the project is the consistent production of yarn ensuring a steady income for the artisans. Showcasing the Thebvo products once at Hornbill Festival 2019 also generated a great deal of interest from local people and tourists from outside Nagaland.
“We appreciate the effort that Mora has given to support and promote Thebvo and the artisan community throughout the project phase. We regret however that Mora’s effort has failed to secure the trust of the organisation concerned,” it expressed.
Stating that NEN ‘have and will continue to acknowledge the immense contribution of CWWS towards the social, cultural and economic upliftment of the people of the district through their numerous interventions,’ it said CWWS has done yeomen service in the preservation, protection and promotion of the Chakhesang textiles including Thebvo, and has been instrumental in securing GI registration for the Chakhesang textiles, the first amongst the Naga tribes to be granted GI registration.
“While we support the endeavour to preserve the heirloom products and skills of the artisanal community, we are hopeful that we continue to work in collaboration with diverse people from within and outside the community that is in the best interest of the community. Nagaland communities have so much to showcase to the outside world including our rich cultural values and heritage,” NEN added.
