A call for peace and unity amongst the Nagas

January 5, 2025 15 Views No Comment

Lhisemia Thinuo celebrates 175 years in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 5

The 175th anniversary of Lhisemia Kethinuokelie 2025 (1850-2025) was celebrated today with much pomp at NBCC Convention Centre Kohima under the theme “Upholding our heritage.”

Addressing the mammoth gathering, Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton congratulated Lhisemia Council of Kohima village and all the bonafide members as they celebrate 175th anniversary of Lhisemia Kethinuokelie 2025.

“It is very remarkable and momentous event to celebrate 175 anniversary of the existence of Lhisemia Khel as we enter into the threshold of New Year 2025,” Patton said.

He said that celebration of 175th anniversary by any organization of association or by a council in our land is very rare or never heard of such a millstone being celebrated.

Khriephreii Yhome & group perform during 175th anniversary of Lhisemia Kethinuokelie 2025 in Kohima on January 4. (Morung Photo)

“It is amazing to think or imagine on the vision and wisdom of our fore-fathers way back in 1850 that they wanted to live together without any distinction among themselves,” Patton said.

It is given to understand that prior to 1850, this Lhisemia khel was nonexistent and the people were living in three different khels. However, in order to live together, stand together and to grow stronger to fight against adversaries on any of its members, the visionary leaders of those time initiated to form one entity by merging the three khels together as ‘Lhisemia’ following a traditional ritual for bondage and the Lhisemia khel has grown thus far, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

In this, Patton stressed on the need to remember and appreciated the legacy of love and affection, feeling of oneness, sense of unity to stand strong against any circumstances, the brotherly relationships with neighbourhoods near and far that “our visionary forefathers have left for us and we are celebrating today.”

Let us also give thanks to our Almighty God for the guidance and for the uncountable blessings that He has bestowed upon the members of Lhisemia Khel thus far, Patton said.

He also expressed happiness that many invitees from about 25 villagers across the state and outside for attending the 175 anniversary celebration of Lhisemia Kethinuokelie 2025 particular those villages and section of people who had traditional friendship and relations with Lhisemia khel since time immemorial.

“Since many people from different villages and places are here, it is as good as a Naga gathering. Therefore, I take this moment as an opportunity to appeal each and every one of you to spread the message of peace and unity amongst the Naga society irrespective of tribe, clan or region for progress and prosperity of the state and for the posterity,” Patton said.

Stating that the present society is now living in a more diversified and connected society, Patton challenged the gathering to teach children and expose to their own cultural heritage, values and traditions “so that they become more receptive to appreciate the rich cultures of each other tribe which in turn will bring about understanding and cohesive society which is the need of the honour as we celebrate this anniversary with the theme “Upholding our heritage.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Kohima village being the traditional land owners of Kohima town, the capital of Nagaland, they have a greater role to play and act as a catalyst to bring about community cohesion among the Nagas and others living in Kohima.

“You have stood steadfastly in support of the government and against all adverse situations in the past and it is expected that you will do better for the good of the Naga society even in days to come,” Patton added.

Nagaland School Education & SCERT, Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome also addressed the celebration as the guest of honour while Kohima village council chairman Helievi-o Solo also delivered short speech.

Former chief minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu shared Lhisemia amalgamation history.

Lhisemia council chairman Ayie Yhome delivered welcome address while vote of thanks was proposed by Tseivilie Miachieo. Rev Fr Keduoneilie Alex Vizo, Parish Priest, St. Francis Xavier Church, Kidima pronounced blessings while Rev Keviyiekielie Linyu, pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sepfiizou, Kohima pronounced opening prayer.

Lhisemia Choir presented Lhisemia Anthem composed by Medongulie Tseikha while Menguseii Suokhrie and Keneisenuo Sorhie performed special numbers. Khriephreii Yhome & group performed cultural song. Neingusalie Khruomo and Neitseizonuo Liezietsu compered the programme.

The celebration was followed by anniversary feast and musical nite.