CPO set to celebrate 150th anniversary in November

DIMAPUR — Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) is all set to celebrate its 150th anniversary on November 9, 2024.

This was announced by the convenor of organising committee, Dr. Kevingulie Khro, during a press conference held at CPO office in Chümoukedima on Saturday.

Khro mentioned that Chakhroma is a very old nomenclature, existing long before the British arrival in Nagaland. He added that the Chakhroma nomenclature was first published in 1874 by Alexander Mackenzie.

Khro informed that the 150th anniversary would be a year-long celebration and to commemorate the milestone, they actively participated in World Environment Day by planting trees throughout the villages and town areas on June 5.

Vichutuolie Mere, the convenor of the souvenir committee, mentioned that Chakhroma has existed as a group since time immemorial even before the British arrived in the Naga hills in 1832.

Mere mentioned that when the British conducted a census in the Chakhroma region in the 1850s, there were around 17 villages. However, after the 1860 and 1870, few villages perished due to pandemics and other unfortunate incidents.

While the establishment of the Chakhroma Public Organisation was recorded in 1874 based on British records mentioning Chakhroma as a group, he stated that there was no doubt that they have existed as an organised body in the region long before 1874.

However, for the convenience of the present as well as the future generation, he stated that they have adopted 1874 as the year of establishment. He added that Chokroma area consisted of more than 44 villages now.