Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio seen with other dignitaries during the inauguration of Kohima Village Multipurpose Building at Ziekezou, Kohima Village on June 26.
Kohima Village Multipurpose Building inaugurated
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 26
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that, “for our society to survive as a State and as a Naga, we need unity, cooperation, brotherhood and oneness.”
Addressing the inauguration of the Kohima Village Multipurpose Building at Ziekezou, Kohima Village on June 26, he described the building as a symbol of unity while stating that if there was no unity and hard work, this dream would not have been fulfilled. He acknowledged the large heartedness of Kohima Village and congratulated the Kohima Village Council Chairman and his team for uniting themselves towards achieving this goal of having a magnificent building in the state capital while also terming the occassion as a “historic day” in a historical village where many historic events took place.
Rio said the Multipurpose Hall does not only belong to Kohima village but is for all the communities that require such a place, and for the purpose of goodwill, unity and brotherhood of our Naga society. “They are the owners but everybody can come and use for a small fee”, he announced.
Towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, he also remarked that, “We want to make new Nagaland. We have to come together to build our state, build a new Nagaland, and give opportunities to young people.”
He also recalled how his late father brought them to Kohima during the peak of the Naga insurgency and his family’s close association with Kohima village.
He also spoke about the unique characters of the Nagas- the rich culture, customary laws, local self-governance that subsequently led to the British legacy of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act while the Government of India recognises Nagaland through Article 371A.
“All these history happened because the host, the headquarter from Kohima had been established and been nurturing all the Nagas”, he stated.
While life is not a bed of roses, he noted that Kohima village has been kind and accommodative to everybody, “and today also they have shown the way”, he expressed.
He further dwelt extensively on the issues of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIM) and Census while urging for everybody's cooperation for proper implementation.
He also appealed to all individuals, community leaders, urban bodies, etc. to actively participate in the Census as it would determine the future of our children for decades to come.
“Let us make Nagaland a more peaceful place where there is unity and development, and give a bright future for our younger generations”, he urged.
In his speech as the Host, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor to Department of School Education, noted that how Kohima became the capital of Nagaland is not by choice. While Kohima recorded only 998 households in 1878, he said, God has been very gracious to Kohima bordering 14 other Angami villages, 19 Council Ward Areas and a place, where it's not just Nagas but people from other parts of country come with aspirations.
However, even with its sense of grandeur and beauty, he said that being the capital, Kohima Village faces lots of societal and economical pressure. As a big village, he said that in many areas, there may be shortfalls but urged the gathering to bear with them and further expressed happiness that the facility has been created for everyone to use in the days to come.
Kohima Village, traditionally known as Kewhira, is the ancestral land of the Kewhimia and occupies a special place in the history and identity of Nagaland. Recognized as one of the largest villages in Asia, it is home to approximately 27,830 residents and 5,566 households.
The foundation stone of the Kohima Village Multipurpose Building (KVM Building) was laid by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda on April 25, 2022 and is designed with a seating capacity of approximately 1,400 to 1,500 people. More than just a physical structure, the KVM Building represents the aspirations of the Kewhimia and their commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.
As a centre for community engagement, cultural preservation, and social development, the KVM Building is also envisioned to serve as a lasting legacy for the people of Kohima Village and contribute to the growth and development of Nagaland.
Highlights of the programme included invocation by Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü, Sr. Pastor, KBK, unveiling of the monolith, welcome address by Helievi-o Solo, Chairman, Kohima Village Council, Kewhizou, a song on Kohima composed by Vilhoukho-ü Solo, and performed by Medophrenuo Yiese, folk song by Lidi Kro-u and words of gratitude by K. Neibou Sekhose, Convenor, Organising Committee while Kikruneinuo Liezietsu and Vilakuolie Mere were the comperes.
