Two communities celebrate ‘friendship treaty’

Kohima Bureau
Kohima, April 28 (EMN): A ‘friendship treaty’ from 90 years ago in 1928 still firmly binds the two communities of Lhisemia khel from Kohima village, and seven villages of Sopfüma (Mao). The two sides have affirmed strengthening the treaty ‘till the earth and sky cease to be and as long as the moon and star shines.’
The reaffirmation and commitment was made during a programme that was held to mark the 90th anniversary of the treaty, at Chielatsiepfhe, L khel in Kohima village on April 28.
On a stone erected by one Neisielhou Vizo in 1933 symbolising the treaty, it is written: ‘This is to commemorate the solemn friendship which has been attested through inter-feasting (Kinyi) between Lhisema Khel and seven villages of Sopuma on March 1928. Lhisema gave a sum of INR 600 to the Sopuma people and in return received INR 1500 from them.’
The friendship treaty between Lhisemia Khel and seven villages of Sopfüma was sealed by a feast (kinyi) in the year 1928.
Speaking on behalf of L khel, Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie acknowledged its forefathers, who even though were pagans, had understood the importance of establishing a bond of friendship and brotherhood to foster love, respect, trust and better understanding between them.
With the advent of Christianity, Kesiezie said their faith and belief have a ‘sacred and deeper perspective’ by quoting a Bible verse from the book of Philippians 2:3-4 ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’ He asserted that the friendship between the two entities should be based on these lines.
That the event was short of ten years for the 100th anniversary, he called upon both the entities to continue upholding the treaty with conviction and strengthen their bonds in the years to come too.
Stating that their forefathers pledged friendship treaties to build bridges and foster better relations between two parties, Kaisü Adani Choro opined that the good cultural practices should be upheld and practice by the younger generations.
Pointing out that when a covenant of friendship is made, he said it is be ‘upheld and honoured’ by both the parties. He expressed his delight that in the 90 years of journey none had violated the covenant of friendship in any way.
While urging the people of the two entities to extend friendship and support towards each other wherever they might be, Choro was optimistic that the friendship treaty would bring them closer and build a peaceful society.
The celebration was marked by exchange of documents between Lhisemis khel and seven village of Sopfüma and presentation to elders from both the parties. The celebration came to an end with a feast hosted by Lhisemia khel.