Dignitaries during unveiling of the monolith to mark the celebration of 75 years of the Chakhesang tribe at Phek town on January 10.
75 years of Chakhesang tribe celebrated
Our Correspondent
Phek | January 10
The celebration of 75 years of the Chakhesang tribe took place today at Phek town under the aegis of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) with the theme ‘Recognise, celebrate and inspire.’
Speaking on the occasion as the host, Nagaland Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu urged upon the people to extend their unflinching support and cooperation to the State Government. He also called for cooperation to the implementing agencies of the various developmental projects being undertaken in Phek district.
Speaking on the pace of development in the road sector of the district, he asked the concerned villages which lie along the highway to do away with the practice of registering complaints against the authorities as it would hamper the smooth execution of the works.
He maintained that the villages along the highway and those in the vicinity of road projects are fortunate. Kronu said these villages should be considered as "benefitted village" and not "affected villages."
With regard to compensation, the Minister said that a huge amount is being spent on the same and called upon the villagers to use the money wisely by investing in income generating activities. He further said that efforts must be made to ensure that the money is circulated within the community.
He meanwhile urged upon the Chakhesang community to strengthen the Chakhesang People’s Oorganisation’s (CPO) resolution on protection and conservation of forest and wildlife within its jurisdiction.
In this, he extended Rs 2 lakh to the CPO for undertaking proper mechanism and strict implementation of the restrictions on burning of jungles and killing of wild animals.
Rs 10 lakh corpus fund for market linkages
Further, Kronu assured a corpus fund of Rs 10 lakh towards market linkages in the agricultural sector. In this, he encouraged the people to give more efforts towards large scale production to boost the rural economy.
This corpus fund will facilitate transportation of agricultural produces and also enable the farmers to sell their produce in the proper marketing sheds in Kohima and Dimapur.
Meanwhile, extending greetings to the Chakhesang community, he called upon the people to forgive and forget the past mistakes if any and reason together to march ahead for a progressive society.
Later, he released a souvenir and book on customary law published by the CPO.
‘Promising future awaits’
Also speaking during the occasion as guest speaker, MP (Rajya Sabha), KG Kenye said that the Chakhesang community is marching ahead progressively and decisively. He said that there is a promising future “for which we praise the Almighty God whose invisible hands have guided us since inception.”
“We should henceforth vehemently safeguard and protect our collective interest against any internal dissent or external incitement,” he said.
Kenye added that safeguarding the unique customary laws should be a renewed vision as they are the core issues directly affecting people’s lives and must not be compromised under any circumstances.
CPO for development, understanding, peace
Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) President, Mikha Kenye in his presidential address said the top most priority of organisation is to create a conducive atmosphere for all round development. He added that the CPO would strive to develop understanding and peace, whenever internal problem arises, be it between villages, groups, individuals or within the community, and also to work for a better understanding with other Naga tribes.
He said that the CPO has set up various committees, such as 2 Lane Committee to monitor the ongoing road construction, Jury Committee to settle land disputes, customary Law Drafting Committee which was released during 75th anniversary celebration, Delimitation Committee and Construction Committee.
“The CPO is committed to protect our traditional land boundaries, forest resources, preserve Bio-diversity and encourage to plant trees and reclaim wasteland for cultivation,” he said.
He also said the CPO will work to uplift the local economy by giving attention to agri and allied sectors. Steps towards this include restricting import of pigs for consumption purpose and encouraging organic farming. Other efforts include supporting and creating marketing avenues within and outside the district, and working to accomplish the ongoing community building project in Dimapur and the multipurpose building at Phek town.
MLAs Chotisuh Sazo and Kezhienyi Khalo also exhorted the gathering. Meanwhile, Presidents of the Angami Public Organisation, Sumi Hoho and Pochury Hoho shared greetings.
CPO President, Mikha Kenye delivered presidential address while MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu delivered the welcome address. The act of blessing was pronounced by Rev Dr VK Nuh. Several tribe hoho leaders were also present during the occasion. The celebration concluded with the adoption of a six point resolution.
