Nagaland CM calls for collaboration to preserve tribal belt identity

Commends 150-year-old Chakhroma Public Organisation’s contribution to Naga unity

DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Saturday that in 1978 Dimapur was brought under the tribal belt to protect the land and culture, and emphasised that it is the responsibility of village council chairmen, gaon buras, and tribal organisations to collaborate with the government to ensure the fulfilment of its aims.

Rio was speaking during the Chakhroma Public Organisation’s (CPO) 150th anniversary celebration at the Chümoukedima local ground. The CPO marked the occasion based on written records from the British official, Alexandra Mackenzie, who had noted the group’s existence in 1874.

Further, he stressed that their forefathers had worked tirelessly to propagate the spirit of oneness within the Naga family and that all should continue to nurture this spirit.

Rio recalled how the British administrative headquarters was shifted from Asaloo to Chümoukedima in the 1860s and how, as early as 1873, the British Parliament had passed the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act to protect Nagas’ culture, traditions, and ways of life.

Recalling how, as chief minister, he had decided to shift the district headquarters from the earlier site to the present area, he said the district headquarters should be spacious and allow room for future development and expansion.

Chümoukedima district, he said, is blessed because all communities live together in perfect harmony. He mentioned that the district also boasts of good connectivity, with railheads and an airport, as well as excellent healthcare facilities like the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research and educational institutions such as the National Institute of Technology, ICFAI University, St. Joseph University, Global Open University, and North East Christian University, among others.

The CM also disclosed that, to ensure future generations remember their roots and history, he has been in touch with the Chümoukedima Village Council to establish a state-of-the-art playground named Samagooting, adjacent to the DC office compound in Chümoukedima.

On the sesquicentennial occasion, Rio said that the people of Chakhroma have always been magnanimous, allowing all tribes and communities of the state to settle in their area and live together in harmony. He suggested that they continue to exhibit this spirit of generosity in the future, too.

He said that the CPO could be the oldest social organisation in the state—mentioned in the reports of British officer Captain Butler in 1874 as the Chakhroma Group.

Rio said that the British chroniclers had spelled Chümoukedima as Samagooting in most of their reports and books. He also noted that it had served as their administrative headquarters from 1866 until the later part of 1878, when the headquarters was shifted to Kohima.

It may be mentioned that, on the occasion, Rio also inaugurated the CPO’s sesquicentennial monoliths and released the souvenir. The CPO was originally made up of 17 villages, but today it comprises 44 established-villages across the state.

Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, said in his speech that parents and leaders need to maintain a record of the forefathers’ roots for the present and future generations and share their stories.

In the present context, he said, Nagas are sharply divided with unresolved issues, but in the end, Nagas are one family and one brotherhood. ‘Nagas have a rich heritage and abundant natural resources, but in the absence of exploration and exploitation, the state remains one of the poorest in India,’ he said.

On the Naga political issue, he asserted that the problem is one and therefore the solution too should be one. He appealed to the Nagas to live united, maintain peace and social harmony, and foster economic growth to achieve common goals.

He further urged all the stakeholders, organisations, hohos, unions, and leaders to come together to find a solution, to reason together for one common solution and one common goal.

According to him, unity should begin from the erstwhile Dimapur, and he appealed to the Naga political groups, which are becoming more divided, to unite if they wish to work for the Nagas. Further, he urged the people to speak the truth, stating that if the truth is spoken, Nagas will survive.

Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, speaking on the occasion, said that it is a day to reflect on blessings and begin a beautiful new chapter in their lives—a day to strengthen relationships with God, with those around them, and with one another.

Presidents of the Angami Public Organisation; Western Sümi Hoho; Zeme Council; Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council; and Kachari Tribal Council, delivered their speeches and greetings on the occasion.