Diezephe village celebrates golden jubilee

DIMAPUR, OCT 29 (NPN): Diezephe village celebrated its golden jubilee on Thursday under the theme, “Honouring our past, building our future,” marking 50 years since its establishment in 1976.
The jubilee souvenir was unveiled by advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu as special guest, in her speech, she congratulated the villagers on reaching the milestone and said the jubilee was an opportunity for spiritual renewal, reconciliation and strengthening relationships. She urged the villagers to leave behind past grievances and misunderstandings and uphold unity, love and brotherhood.
Referring to the biblical significance of jubilee in Leviticus 25 and Luke 4, Jakhalu said it symbolised forgiveness, restoration and the renewal of relationships with God. She described Diezephe as a village of hardworking and self-reliant people who had earned recognition through traditional handloom, weaving and woodcraft.
Jakhalu informed that proposals and survey data for developing Diezephe as a designated craft village had been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Textiles through the Department of Industries & Commerce and her office. She expressed hope that the village would be developed into a model craft and tourist destination for Dimapur-III constituency and Nagaland as a whole.
Calling upon the younger generation to contribute towards the village’s future, she urged them to preserve traditional skills and build on the achievements of the golden jubilee. She also reaffirmed the department’s support for the Loin Loom Festival, stating that it represented Diezephe’s identity and honoured the traditional weaving skills of its women.
Delivering a message, MLA and advisor for Prisons, Printing & Stationery, Er. Kropol Vitsu, congratulated the villagers on completing 50 years and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the pioneers in establishing the village. He recalled that Diezephe was founded in 1976 and said the village had undergone significant transformation over the past three decades, particularly in roads, infrastructure and community development.
Vitsu highlighted the importance of preserving the village’s identity, discipline and customary practices. He referred to the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act, 1978, and Article 371(A) of the Constitution, stressing the importance of traditional village administration and safeguards for Naga customary laws, social and religious practices, and land and resources.
Looking towards the next 50 years, he called for proper planning and a master plan for Diezephe, urging residents to maintain adequate setbacks while constructing houses along village roads to facilitate future road widening and prevent traffic and parking problems. He also stressed the need for unity and cautioned against the proliferation of multiple organisations and parallel associations that could lead to division and community fatigue.
The programme was led by Visu Sakhrie, while Nüthitalü and Tosovinuo anchored the event. The invocation was offered by pastor of CRC, Thejangulie Mepthü-o and Yekronu Lupu pronounced the jubilee blessings.
Village council chairman Vezota Chüzho delivered the welcome address, while convenor of the Jubilee Organizing Committee, Velasüzo Shijoh, extended jubilee greetings. A special tribute, “Diezephe Geizo,” was presented by Diethosilie Sorhie.
A brief history of Diezephe village was presented by VCM Dovepra Chüzho, while Vetalhulu Sapu and friends presented a folk song. The programme also featured a choir performance by the Diezephe Jubilee Choir and a special presentation by Methaneilie Jütakhrie Solo.
Earlier, Diezephe village dedicated and unveiled its jubilee monolith. The dedication was led by pastor of A.G. Church, Diezephe, Poseruh Lohe, while the prayer was offered by pastor of C.B.C. Diezephe, Leluthi Tsory.
Later, vote of thanks was proposed by treasurer of the Jubilee Finance Committee, Rokozhie Namdau, and the closing prayer was offered by Tsosoyi Veswü.