DIMAPUR — Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) on Saturday organised a seminar on various themes in commemoration of 150 years of its formation at CPO Hall in Chümoukedima town.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, the special guest and advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, highlighted how the plains of Dimapur and far beyond was dominated by the Chakhroma Angamis in the past, which is now occupied by many Naga villages.
The advisor conveyed appreciation on the friendship between Chakhroma Public Organisation and Western Sumi Hoho, setting a good example in fostering peaceful co-existence among the Naga community.
He mentioned that Dimapur district was created with Chümoukedima as the district headquarters. He, however, stated that the district headquarters was never made functional due to various reasons. He added that Chümoukedima has been developing rapidly for last 30 years despite of all the hurdles.
He clarified that Chümoukedima district was created purely considering the administrative convenience and there should be no misconception regarding the creation.
Also speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner of Chümoukedima, Polan John, said the seminar was aimed at addressing vital issues that are most pertinent in this day and age.
John added that the programme would be informative, educational and at the same time transformative as it would sensitise and create awareness among the people to face the present challenges.
He mentioned that with a rich history dating back to the British times and a proud heritage, the Chakhroma people being at the frontier of the Angami regions have always been encountering tremendous challenges.
He asserted that CPO is poised to play a very significant role in shaping the future and ensuring the well-being of their community more than ever.
The Commissioner of Police and one of the resource persons, Kevithuto Sophie, while speaking on the “Challenges before Naga society,” said that corruption is one of the challenges before Naga society. In this context, he stated that the public are to be blamed for rampant demand and financial expectation from officers and leaders, which led to corruptive accumulation in order to meet the demands of the public.
Sophie mentioned that the present education system need to be reoriented and skill-based curriculum need to be given emphasis. He also encouraged the present youth to pursue vocational training and other employability avenues instead of hankering for government jobs.
The Fire Prevention and Audit Officer of Nagaland Fire and Emergence Service, Kenny Khing, while speaking on “Fire safety,” highlighted basic fire safety measures and also elaborated on domestic LPG usage and electrical related fire disasters and safety measures.
Khing appreciated the village leaders present in the seminar and requested them to sensitise the public in their respective areas as the department alone cannot cover all areas. He also highlighted the Nagaland Fire and Emergency Services Act 2021.
Speaking on “Legal rights and responsibilities,” senior advocate at Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench and president of High Court Bar Association, Kohima, CT Jamir, stressed the necessity to be aware of rights and more importantly their responsibilities saying that Nagas do not emphasise enough on responsibility.
Jamir made aware on Nagaland Village Council Act 1978, rules and regulations of village council, VDB model rules, Nagaland Communitisation of Public Institutions and Services Act 2002 and on Article 371(A).
He encouraged the people to be aware of legal rights and responsibilities and devised plan for the generations to come.
During the seminar, the DCP (Traffic) of Dimapur, Meren Chenth, also spoke on “Traffic safety and rules,” while the designated food safety officer, Kezhangulie Yimchunger, spoke on “Food safety.”