According to Yamao Konyak, the newly inaugurated village which was recognized as a village only on February 15 this year has more than 200 registered households having four GBs, 18 VCMs, 17 VDP management committee for smooth functioning of the village administration.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Konyaks, known as fierce warriors amongst the Nagas on Tuesday made a landmark after Chen village under Dhansiripar sub-division, Chumoukedima, was officially inaugurated by MLA and Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu Kense, as the first village of the Konyaks outside Mon district, at Dhansiripar sub-division, Chumoukedima.
Bringing greetings on behalf of the Nagaland state government led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, the advisor addressing the people of the Chen village at a programme held at Chen village public round, Hekani said that the establishment of the newest village or a “baby” born in the family of the Nagas should be welcomed by all.
Stating that earlier many elders including forefathers were confined to their own villages, Hekani expressed her happiness to know and see that many from the Konyak tribes have come to settled down here bringing the aura of oneness with different other tribes and communities making it as mini-Nagaland.
Being the youngest amongst the many villages surrounded, she dwelled on other neighbouring villages to give the newly established village with special attention with commitments, and give the best in planning, and also urged the responsible heads of the newly established village to specially focus on the drainage and the roads systems in order to let the village be seen as an a “role model” by other neighbouring villages.
Hekani further encouraged for more plantation of trees after seeing the greenery in the village, while also added that handlooms and handicrafts should also be encouraged amongst the villagers after seeing the potentials in them thereby stating have a plan before it is too late and not to break the foundation laid by the Almighty.
Earlier, she also unveiled the monolith of the celebration which was dedicated by former general secretary, NBCC, Rev Dr Pongsing Konyak.
Meanwhile, minister, environment, forest and climate change, and village guards, GoN, CL John, has acknowledged the administrative heads and officials of both the two districts, Dimapur and Chumoukedima, head GBs of the neighbouring villages for their support, and also CM, home commissioner, and Nagaland commissioner, for their unwavering support rendered in seeing the reality today.
He said that others who had established villages for more than 20 to 30 years seeking for recognition have been not materialized till date but appreciated the concerned shown towards the villagers of Chen for the recognition by Nagaland chief minister and his council of ministers for the recognition given within a short span of time.
Citing that the Konyaks are the most “backward” amongst the Naga tribes residing even in Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh, he informed the gatherings that Konyaks could experience the “outside world” only after the millennium but added that after the year 2010, there brought a transition in education were there was a rise in producing many educated persons including officers and high ranking officials with the state and beyond.
In his welcome address, chairman of the newly inaugurated Chen village, under Chumoukedima district, Nagaland, K Yamao Konyak, informed the gatherings including the VIPs, and other dignitaries, the land with a total area of 140 acres (approx) as per the survey report conducted in the year 2015, was purchased from retired IFS, Ihevi, a resident of Pimla village at a reasonable rate which was considered it as best price.
According to Yamao Konyak, the newly inaugurated village which was recognized as a village only on February 15 this year has more than 200 registered households having four GBs, 18 VCMs, 17 VDP management committee for smooth functioning of the village administration.
Extending their gratitude, the chairman stated that the Chen villagers extended their heartfelt gratitude to Minster, forest and environment, forest and climate change, CL John, taking the initiatives in the “movement of files” for the recognition of the village at the highest level
Indebted to Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio’s government for recognizing the village (Chen), on February 15 this year, he supplemented that the official inauguration of the Chen village under Chumoukedima district on Tuesday is the only recognized Konyak village in the western parts of Nagaland which is outside Mon district.
Yamao added that this noble deed of Rio’s government would always be remembered by the Chen villagers in particular and the Konyaks in general with a hope that it is the beginning of giving rights, privileges, and facilities a village needed for its existence.
He also appealed to the Nagaland government in providing the basic amenities in the near future.
Meanwhile, the chairman on behalf of the Chen villagers has also extended its gratitude to the village councils of Pimla, Kiyeto, Razaphe Basa, and Dhansiripar, for issuing the “No Objection Certificate” to the Chen village which was very much required to apply for recognition of a village.
Other speakers included Hd GB Pimla village, P Dohoi Swu, Hd GB Kiyeto village, Benjamin Sema, Chairman, Razaphe Basa, Sobou Rio, Hd GB Dhansiripar, Dejiraj Girisa, president Konyak Union, Tingthok Konyak, SDO (C), Dhansiripar, Vejoyo Swuro, and DC Chumoukedima, Polan John.
The programme chaired by Aying Wee, started with an invocation prayer by Pastor, KBBD, Rev M Tonglong, with special number presented by Chen village youth, vote of thanks was proposed by VDB secretary, Chen village, Dr W Phola Konyak, with benediction pronounced by KBBC pastor, Rev S Yoko.