KG Kenye, K Therie, Vezuhu Keyho, and other leaders on
Friday in Phek Town. (EM Images)
PHEK — The
Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) on Friday resolved to continue striving
for unity among all Naga political groups (NPGs), in alignment with the
existing CPO initiative for Naga unity, while appealing to all NPGs to refrain
from any form of violence or bloodshed within Chakhesang jurisdiction.
During the 43rd general session-cum-Chakhesang Day hosted by
the Phek Town Public Forum and held at the Phek town hall, the house adopted a
ten-point resolution.
It resolved to prohibit the “abominable practice of
transgender and same-sex marriages” within the Chakhesang community; promote
quality population growth in Chakhesang villages and areas; cooperate with
relevant Census enumeration authorities with honesty; prioritise primary and
quality education as a means to combat social disparity; take decisive measures
to eliminate proxy teaching in Chakhesang towns and villages; continue
collaborating with the Chakhesang Students’ Union and Chakhesang Scholars’
Forum to promote quality education in Chakhesang areas; fully support any
government or private agencies implementing infrastructure and economic
development projects in the district.
Further, it resolved to uphold the sanctity and cultural
significance of Chakhesang traditional attire and strictly prohibit any misuse
or misappropriation of its designs; encourage various sports associations,
institutions, and stakeholders to focus on the development of professional
sports in Phek district; conserve and find ways to recharge groundwater; and
encourage people to construct rainwater harvesting systems in their homes.
The CPO also resolved to explore ways to establish animal
corridors in Chakhesang jurisdiction, which can be extended to the Myanmar
Biodiversity Hotspot. It appealed to all villages concerned and landowners to
conserve the Zanübu, Kapamodzű, and other critical forests in Phek district,
ensuring the preservation of these vital natural resources for future
generations and the ecological well-being of the region.
Furthermore, it encouraged the planting of more indigenous
fruits, plants, and trees. Accordingly, an annual tree plantation drive will be
organised from May to June 5, in conjunction with World Environment Day,
engaging the entire community. Each village will take necessary initiatives to
plant and nurture trees, ensuring sustained care and environmental stewardship.
The resolution to revise the complete ban on bore well
construction in the district allows genuine projects to proceed with prior
approval from the CPO. Strict rules and regulations will safeguard and conserve
groundwater, ensuring bore wells are community-oriented rather than privately
owned.
To promote and encourage local piggery farming, the CPO
resolved to provide relevant training to achieve self-sufficiency in pork
production, thereby reducing dependency on pig imports and fostering
sustainable economic growth within Chakhesang areas. It also reiterated its
commitment to firmly uphold the existing ban on the import of pigs into Phek
district.
The house further resolved to uphold, compile, and ensure
the effective implementation of all resolutions passed during the 75th
anniversary celebration of the Chakhesang Tribe in 2021 as well as those
adopted in previous years.
The CPO expressed appreciation to its Southern Angami, Mao,
and Maram Khullen brothers for their amicable settlement of the Kezoltsa issue
under the initiative of the Tenyimia Public Organisation (TPO).
Detach from political affiliation
Meanwhile, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG
Kenye, addressing the event as speaker, called upon civil society organisations
to remain free from political affiliations and emphasised that public leaders
should not carry political biases.
He advocated for leaders to detach themselves from political
posts and affiliations to lead the community fairly and avoid suspicion or
succumbing to party pressures.
Maintaining that the Chakhesang tribe, despite its
limitations, has been living with the rest of the Nagas in a tribal society,
Kenye observed that the tribe is progressing because of the sacrifices of the
elders and the unity and understanding among community members. However, he
cautioned the community to be vigilant in upholding its values.
Kenye emphasised the need for the community to be peace
crusaders in the currently fragmented Naga society.
Furthermore, the minister asserted that honesty and
integrity—values taught by the ancestors and reflected in Christian principles—must
guide the Chakhesang tribe in taking up the role of uniting Naga society. He
highlighted the presence of leaders in every sphere of society, capable of
fulfilling this role.
Former minister K Therie, who also delivered an exhortation,
spoke about the scope of Article 371 (A) but noted that Nagas have not fully
utilised it, despite some criticisms.
Therie emphasised the need for unity and support for
leadership, stressing the importance of communal harmony.
Reflecting on the relationship between the Chakhesang and
Pochury tribes and the recent Meluri district issue, he highlighted the need
for continued coordination and understanding with the Pochury tribe.
Furthermore, he encouraged the Chakhesang community to
uphold truthfulness and lead a life of integrity while making concerted efforts
for unity and the welfare of the community.
In his presidential address, Vezuhu Keyho highlighted the
activities of the CPO during his three-year tenure, such as training on
empowering village leaders through the Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act
of 1978 and Naga Customary Laws, constructing a multi-purpose building at Phek
Town, revising Chakhesang customary law and traditional practices, and forming
the Chakhesang Attire Documentation Committee (CADC) and Chakhesang Attire
Regulatory Board (CARB), among others.
On the occasion, Kenye also released the revised second
edition of Chakhesang customary law and its traditional practices.
