In an effort towards taking economic changes and benefits to Khezhakeno, the ancestral village of the Nagas, under Phek district, the Land Resources Department (LRD) on Tuesday conducted community mobilisation programme under Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component (PMKSY-WDC) 2.0 at Village Council Hall, Khezhakeno.
Gracing the event as special guest, advisor of Land Resources Department, G. Ikuto Zhimomi said, according to history, hundreds of years ago Naga people migrated from Khezhakeno village and settled in different parts establishing new villages and started to speak different languages.
He therefore said, Naga people might have their own different tribes and dialects but theyr are one and should continue to uphold the oneness of Nagas in general.
“As one Naga we should not be fighting against each other and should not show any differences,” Ikuto said.
Mentioning that Naga forefathers were not under any government yet they managed to sustain in all aspects, he however said that with change of time and modernity villages and people needed government’s support.
In this regard, he encouraged the village people to stand firm and continue to support the government of the day under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for overall development and progress.
Terming the visit a pilgrimage, Ikuto expressed happiness to have got the opportunity to visit and asserted to extend all possible support towards the uplift of the Naga ancestral village.
He also announced that the LRD would carry out major watershed and spring shed projects in Khezhakeno. Also addressing the gathering, LRD director Albert Ngullie informed that projects under District Project Officer Phek would be carried out in all earnestness.
He also said that the Department was trying to make efforts towards bringing economic changes and benefits to the village through coffee plantations in suitable areas of Khezhakeno and also other nearby villages. This would help coffee experiential tourism in the region, he said.
He therefore appealed to the villagers to continue to support the department towards making things happen. Commissioner & Secretary LRD Kevekha Kevin Zehol expressed optimism that starting from the ancestral home of Nagas would be a good beginning towards reaching to other areas of the state. The growth and development of the state depends on the development of each individual and village, Zehol said.
DPO Phek, Agnes Phewhuo delivered a short speech. The programme chaired by Khezhakeno VDB secretary Kolhoupe Koza commenced with a prayer by Rev C. Ngochinyi, pastor KCRC while VCC Khezhakeno D. Lhouchinyi delivered the welcome address. Folk song and special number by the male members of the village enthralled the gathering.
M. Thochü Koza tendered the vote of thanks and pastor NCRC Khezhakeno Dikho Sono offered closing prayer. During the visit, advisor Ikuto accompanied by host of officials of the department visited Tsotawo, a spirited flat stone of the ancestral Naga home and also surveyed the famous Chida Resort for developmental prospects.