A newly built Nyekhatso-Shema Khühu was inaugurated at Chozuba village to revive traditional heritage, promote community bonding and preserve cultural values.
CHOZUBA — A newly constructed Nyekhatso-Shema Khühu at Chozuba village, built by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dimapur, Khrüsa Keyho, as a gesture of service and dedication to the community, was inaugurated on Saturday by Küduve Keyho, Personal Secretary to the Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD), Kudecho Khamo.
In the Chokri dialect, Khühu literally means "the stone sit-out"—a revered traditional stone structure that historically served as a centre for community gatherings, oral traditions, social interaction and decision-making.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Küduve Keyho acknowledged the Nyekhatso-Shema and Chozuba village for their continued support to Advisor Kudecho Khamo. He thanked Khrüsa Keyho and his family for constructing the Khühu and appreciated everyone involved in completing the project.
Expressing hope that the Khühu would continue to promote the welfare and progress of the community, he underscored the importance of preserving values such as sincerity, hard work and integrity.
Recalling the legacy of Chozuba's early Christian pioneers, Suluho and Lhupruve, who were among the first to embrace Christianity in Chozuba and the Chakhesang region, he said the present generation continues to benefit from their vision, leadership and blessings.
Keyho also highlighted various developmental initiatives undertaken in the Chozuba Assembly Constituency under the leadership of Khamo. He said infrastructure projects and welfare-oriented schemes have benefitted both rural and urban households.
He stated that the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) is being implemented more inclusively, with support extended to progressive farmers and entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the "One Family, One Project" programme, which provides financial assistance for start-ups and the distribution of layer chickens.
Read more local news: 200 members of Viswema community partake social work drive at Vizol Road in Kohima
Reaffirming their commitment to the constituency's development, he urged the public not to politicise developmental initiatives but to appreciate efforts made for the common good. He also encouraged the community to remain humble, uphold honesty and follow the teachings of Christ.
Former Chozuba Village Council chairman Dusapra Nyekha said the Nyekhatso-Shema has remained united despite belonging to different lineages because of the strong bonds forged by their forefathers.
He noted that every khel in Chozuba traditionally had its own Khühu, where gaon buras made important announcements, declared community taboos and communicated decisions to the people.
Nyekha commended Khrüsa Keyho for constructing the Khühu beside the grave of his late father, Pitolu Keyho, whom he described as a respected Christian leader who travelled extensively to spread the Gospel. He urged younger generations to preserve the sanctity of the Khühu and use it as a place to learn and pass on the village's oral traditions, culture and heritage.
Village Council Chairman (VCC) of Chozuba, Lhusetso Shijoh, said the Khühu also served as a venue for early Christian evangelism when Christianity first reached Chozuba in 1895, before the village had a church building.
He encouraged people, particularly the youth, to spend less time on mobile phones and instead gather at such traditional spaces to learn about the history and values of their community. He added that the Khühu traditionally functioned as a place for discussions, planning, conflict resolution and the sharing of indigenous knowledge, while urging other communities to revive similar institutions to strengthen communal ties and preserve cultural heritage.
Head GB of Chozuba village, Zasevoyi Ringa, also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, Nyekhatso Shema Welfare Organisation (NSWO) chairman Vethito Keyho presented a brief report on the construction of the Khühu, stating that it was built to revive an important traditional institution that has long served as a centre for community bonding.
The programme was chaired by NSWO secretary Pudutso Nyekha, while the vote of thanks was proposed by GB Shemami Thuyengoyi Keyho.