Peter Kuotsu, Class-1 contractor during the inauguration of Multi-Purpose Hall, Tsiesema village on May 10.
Kohima, May 10 (MExN): In a celebration of historical kinship and resilience, a commemorative book of the Tsiesema mu Zhadima Khrietho (TZK) was officially released by special guest, Peter Kuotsu, Class-1 contractor on Saturday at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Tsiesema Village.
The souvenir, a result of decades-long deliberation, was released in the presence of leaders from both the communities. Kuotsu, in his address recounted the historical journey of the two communities.
He stressed that the event served as a powerful reminder of the deep bond and mutual support shared between the two communities during some of the most challenging times in their history, reaffirming the friendship bounded by shared history, suffering, and solidarity.
Kuotsu emphasised the importance of documenting such histories while elders with first-hand memories are still alive. “The youth may not know this association unless we tell our stories. This book comes at the right time,” he said.
As he addressed the gathering, Kuotsu also urged the youth to work hard and strive for excellence, emphasising that the best must be willing to compete. He also called on parents to support and guide their children while allowing them the freedom to discover their own paths.
At a time when gender-specific roles are increasingly being challenged, he noted that women across the state are excelling in various fields. He urged women from the two communities to step beyond traditionally assigned roles and also called on men to actively support and encourage women in breaking barriers and pursuing opportunities without limits.
Emphasising the growing importance of skills over stereotypes, he encouraged men to also step beyond traditionally defined gender roles and take up responsibilities often perceived as women-specific, reinforcing the idea that ability—not gender—should determine one’s role in society.
Vizolhou Mere, a member of the souvenir committee, recounted how, around 1957–58, some residents of Zhadima village were grouped together with the people of Tsiesema at Tsiesema village in the aftermath of military operations, during which houses were burnt and many Naga villagers were forced to go into hiding.
He mentioned that even after the residents of Zhadima returned to their native village, the two communities vowed to maintain their brotherhood and offer mutual aid in times of need. He further narrated that this vow was symbolically renewed on February 9, 2017, at Tsiesema. Mere expressed his gratitude to the Zhadima community for their resilience and for consistently maintaining the longstanding relationship with Tsiesema.
An elder from Tsiesema recalled the words of his ancestors—that the friendship between the two communities should “last till the end of sky and earth.”
Souvenir convenor Kruzo Mere detailed the lengthy process of compiling the book, which took several years to complete.
He recounted how most villages in the Northern Angami area were burnt in 1956, forcing villagers to flee into the jungle. While many returned to their villages after a year, he shared that Zhadima residents were among the last to return to their village after it was set ablaze by the Indian forces. During the long period of hiding, he said, many villagers perished from starvation.
When villagers returned, the Centre, he said had planned to group residents of 2-3 villages into one group to provide aid, that was when the Kimho resident from Zhadima were grouped at Tsiesema. As situation improved, when the time came for the Zhadima community to return to their village, he said that two feasts were held as the two communities were pained to separate, and vowed to maintain a bond.
The event began with a prayer by Neiluolie Chietsü, Pastor of CRC Tsiesema, followed by a welcome address from TZK President Zakamvü Sorü. Zhadima Village Council Chairman Neilalhoulie Soliezuo extended his greetings. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the deceased elders and leaders from both villages.
The programme was chaired by TZK Vice President Ruokuotuolie Mere. A cultural song was presented by Visetuo Chüpuo and team, followed by a traditional folk tune from the Tsiesema community. Ketselhou Khrabvü from Tsiesema and several elders from both communities shared their views.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Khrielelie Loucü, co-convenor of the souvenir committee, who expressed hope that this publication would deepen mutual understanding and inspire future generations to preserve this rare bond of kinship.
