KOHIMA — Rev. Dr. Sanyü Iralu on Saturday unveiled the Khonoma Semo-Chalieutsumia Kharu (Gate) at Khurükha in Khonoma village under Kohima district.
The Kharu of Chalieutsumia was in existence since the inception of Khonoma village. The periodic reconstruction was continued and one such reconstruction took place on April 28, 1948, and the same was reconstructed again on November, 16, 2024.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Dr. Iralu said the gate holds great significance in the village because it protected the residents from the external forces and internally from disunity and disharmony. He said people who broke the law were sent out.
He stated that for a village to be strong, it needs a strong gate.
“In the past, it (gate) protected us against the British invasion, and today the gate that protects us is the living God, as believers of Christ,” Dr. Iralu said.
“In the past, we trusted in our gate but in the present time we need to put our trust in the living God and added that to enjoy the blessings, to start afresh and for restoration, we need God to rebuild our walls, which have been torn down by negativity around us,” he added.
He further called upon the gathering to “humble ourselves and reaffirm our trust in Him, so that He would bless us in greater ways.”
Kuolachalie Seyie, president Naga Club, and several others also spoke at the main celebration held at Thezuliedzüke.
The Kharu unveiling programme was led by Lovilie Vakha, while blowing of trumpet was done by Visosieto Vüprü.
The main celebration was chaired by Kevisekho Chücha and compered by Lovilie Vakha and Kekhrienuo Mor.
Rev. Tsolie Chase, senior pastor of Khonoma Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings and benediction prayer was said by Savizo Hozoyeh.
The programme was also marked by cultural performances and songs from Socüno and Medziphe Semoma, Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation, Merhüma Youth Organisation, Kirha Youth Organisation, Hemang Zeliang youth, Kekhrieyie Belho, Kuki dance (Molvom youth and students), Vihutsu youth, Mezoma, Nyiseno youth, Vimeneno Chücha and Lovo and Vipiahu.