Tsiepama and Nerhema villages end a 196-year-old conflict through dialogue, forgiveness and traditional customary practices
A historic settlement ends a longstanding grievance dating back to 1830, ushering in a new era of friendship and peaceful coexistence
DIMAPUR — Tsiepama and Nerhema villages have formally ended a 196-year-old conflict, ushering in a new chapter of peace, reconciliation and lasting friendship between the two villages.
The historic settlement was reached on Saturday (October 24) through mutual dialogue, forgiveness and the observance of traditional Angami Naga customary practices, according to an update.
As part of the reconciliation, friendship stone-laying ceremonies were held consecutively in Tsiepama and Nerhema villages, symbolising the formal end of the age-old conflict and the beginning of a new era of friendship and peaceful coexistence.
The conflict dates back to 1830, when an inter-village war broke out between Zhadima and Nerhema.
According to the historical account, a woman from Tsiepama village, who had married into Zhadima village, lost her son at the hands of warriors from Nerhema.
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Seeking vengeance for her son's death, she appealed to her brothers and clansmen from Tsiepama, who subsequently waged war against Nerhema.
The ensuing conflict claimed numerous lives on both sides and left a legacy of strained relations that remained unresolved for nearly two centuries.
Although the conflict originated in 1830, no formal settlement had been reached between Tsiepama and Nerhema until October 24, 2026.
The reconciliation has now brought closure to the longstanding grievance through dialogue, mutual understanding and forgiveness, reaffirming the role of Angami Naga traditional institutions and customary practices in resolving disputes and promoting harmony among villages.
The peace negotiations were facilitated by an organising committee headed by convenor Sevilie Kerhüo and secretary Kekhrielhouto Nakhro, along with other committee members. Through peaceful and amicable dialogue, the committee facilitated the reconciliation process, enabling the villages to move forward in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill.
The stone-laying ceremonies reflected the villages' shared commitment to peace, unity and cordial relations for generations to come.
A formal programme followed the ceremonies and was chaired by Dr. Kevizhalhou Kuotsu. Official village greetings were delivered by Seyievizo Visezuo, chairman of Tsiepama Village Council, and Vinguto Rutsa, chairman of Nerhema Village Council.
The organising committee's report was presented by convenor Sevilie Kerhüo.
The update described the reconciliation as a significant example of the power of dialogue, forgiveness and customary institutions in resolving longstanding disputes.
By formally ending the conflict, Tsiepama and Nerhema have taken a significant step towards restoring trust, strengthening inter-village relations and ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy of peace rather than conflict.
The occasion, the update added, would be remembered as a landmark in the history of the two villages, symbolising the triumph of reconciliation over historical grievances and paving the way for lasting friendship and peaceful coexistence.