Dr Chotisuh Sazo communicates resolution of the CCO during annual general session on May 3 in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 4
The Chakhesang Cultural Organization (CCO), during its annual general session held on May 3 in Kohima, adopted a series of resolutions aimed at preserving the community’s traditional identity and cultural heritage.
Reading out the resolutions, Dr Chotisuh Sazo, Convenor of the Resolution Committee, stated that the CCO reaffirmed its 2011 resolution prohibiting any individual, group or organization—whether Chakhesang or non-Chakhesang, governmental or non-governmental—from publishing or releasing distorted versions of Chakhesang folk songs not based on original indigenous tunes.
Further, it resolved that no modifications to traditional attires, ornaments, or musical tunes shall be allowed without the explicit approval of the CCO. Participation in official, public, or social functions with distorted attires or altered folk songs not aligned with original designs, colours, or tunes would also be restricted.
The organization stated that any official depiction of Chakhesang tribes for purposes of publication, publicity, or advertisement must be done with prior permission from the CCO.
Additionally, it prohibited the use of specific traditional attires that fall under "Status/Entitlements" as per Article 8 of the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) Resolution dated October 24, 2000, unless earned through merit.
The session proposed that the Chakhesang Attires Regulatory Board (CARB) be allowed to function under the CCO Constitution to prevent overlapping of roles and to enforce rules once adopted, while recognizing the CPO as the final authority on frontal organizations.
The CCO resolved to request the CPO to convene a joint meeting involving key cultural and community stakeholders to finalize entitlements for traditional attires and ornaments.
In efforts to promote and preserve the cultural legacy, the CCO also resolved to construct a CCO office-cum-museum to showcase traditional Chakhesang attire and heritage, prepare and preserve 50 sets each of traditional attires for men and women.
It resolved to utilize the Chakhesang Morung at Kisama year-round, with rental charges to be levied on groups using the space for cultural activities, governed by an MoU to be prepared with the Tourism Department. It also resolved to recommend regulation of prices of traditional attires and ornaments by the CARB/CCO.
