Minister KG Kenye with the newly elected team of office bearers of the CRPOK for the tenure 2026-29 during the 5th triennial general session held at the Heritage Bamboo Hall, Kisama, on October 24. (NEPS Photo)
Kisama, October 24 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye said the Chizami Range has played a significant role in Naga history, identity, and future development, and called on its people to strengthen unity and collective leadership.
Speaking as special guest at the 5th Triennial General Session of the Chizami Range Public Organisation, Kohima (CRPOK) at Heritage Bamboo Hall, Kisama on Saturday, Kenye noted that the range, comprising five villages, has been the source of several important historical and social developments.
A NEPS report stated that the Minister said the range served as a catalyst in the formation of the Kuzha community, which preceded the emergence of the Chakhesang tribe, and that the tribe derived its name from the Chizami Range in 1946.
Kenye said the range witnessed events connected to the Second World War: British Allied forces established camps and inspection bungalows in the area, while Japanese forces advanced from Imphal through Jessami toward Chizami and Pfutsero, passing through the range. He also cited Colonel Brown's 39-hour retreat from Jessami to Kohima through the range.
He said the area's historical significance and scenic beauty make it a potential tourism hotspot, and observed that the Avangkhu trade centre could become an important trade route, particularly given the situation in Manipur and facilitate transit connectivity with Southeast Asian countries.
Kenye said the Chizami Range has produced many pioneers and leaders, including civil servants, doctors, engineers, and Christian leaders, and cited Reverend VK Nuh’s contributions to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. He urged the people to take pride in their achievements and not feel inferior.
Calling on the organisation to grow in stature and influence, he said the people must come together more often, promote mutual understanding, and provide political and social direction to the Nagas, expressing hope that CRPOK would continue to contribute meaningfully to society and the region.
Former CRPOK President Liengute Doulo delivered an exhortation, CRPOK President Kekhwewe Sekhamo delivered the presidential address, and CRPOK Vice President Kezuwe Tsuhah led the programme.
The new team of CRPOK for 2026–2029 tenure was declared and installed on the occasion. The office-bearers are Kewetso Kenye (President), Kezüwe Tsuhah (Vice President), Kevetshelo Venuh (General Secretary), Neitshope Sekhamo (Assistant General Secretary), Chete Lohe (Finance Secretary), Wetulo Thopi (Social and Cultural Secretary), Akrolho Wozah (Treasurer), Neipezou Mero and Khronelu Thele (Women Coordinators), and Kekhwewe Sekhamo, Weneipe Khalo, Mesetsozü Wezah and Meselhinyi Lasuh (Advisors).
