Correspondent
Kohima, JUL 1 (NPN): Diezephe village under Dimapur district will celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 29, 2026, with the community expressing hope that the State government would extend greater support to strengthen its handicrafts and tourism sectors, which remain the backbone of the local economy.
Chairman of Diezephe Village Council, Vezota Chüzho, and chairman of the Golden Jubilee Planning Committee, Velasüzo Shijo, said that despite earning recognition for craftsmanship and tourism potential, the village continued to face inadequate infrastructure and other challenges. Shijo noted that nearly 70% of the population depended on handicrafts and weaving for livelihood, generating an estimated annual turnover of Rs.50-60 lakh, while the rest were engaged in government service and business.
Declared a Crafts Village in 2001 under initiatives of the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NHHDC) and the Ministry concerned and recognised as a Tourist Village in 2023, Diezephe has gained visibility but still lacks essential tourism infrastructure. Village leaders said many visitors, especially during the Hornbill Festival, visited the village, but facilities needed improvement to fully realise its potential.
They informed that advisors Hekani Jakhalu (Industries & Commerce) and Kropol Vitsu (CAWD & Taxes) are expected to attend the jubilee celebrations. Artisans continue to preserve traditional craftsmanship, producing kitchenware, utensils, wooden spoons, traditional gear and other wooden products, marketed across Nagaland and neighbouring states, with wooden plates being the highest selling item.
Highlighting challenges, leaders cited irregular power supply and rising costs of raw materials as major issues affecting production. Raw materials, mainly timber, are sourced from Peren district.
Senior village leader and former chairman Vepakhui Tunyi shared the history of Diezephe village, recalling that it was founded by former underground members who responded to the Government of India’s appeal to return to civilian life during President’s Rule in Nagaland in 1975.
Tunyi said the then adviser to the Governor, Ramuni, had appealed to underground members to come overground. Many national workers, enduring immense hardship, accepted the appeal and resolved to establish a peaceful settlement where they could rebuild their lives.
Under the leadership of Kruvilie Shijo and Vamvülhou Angami, members from various Tenyimia communities came together in 1976 and decided to establish a new village at Rangapahar, after seeking land allotment in the Nagaland Reserve Forest area. Settlers jointly surveyed the land and laid the foundation of the village.
He further recalled that after the regional party formed the government in 1977 under chief minister Vizol Angami, a delegation sought land allotment for the settlement. When asked about the name of the village, the delegation initially proposed “Ex Underground Village.” However, Vizol suggested the name “Diezephe,” meaning “obedient village,” in recognition of the settlers’ decision to heed the government’s call and return to normal life.
Tunyi informed that Diezephe was officially recognised as a village on September 3, 1991.
Tunyi said the village now comprises around 370 households with a population of over 1,300. He stressed the need for youths to acquire vocational skills, noting that exposure visits by students to Diezephe Crafts Centre have inspired many to take up handicrafts. The centre also attracts trainees from neighbouring states, offering skill development opportunities and alternative livelihoods through traditional craftsmanship.