Chen becomes first recognised Konyak village on Dhansiri plains

November 6, 2024 4 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 6

Chen, the Konyak’s first recognised village on the plains of the Dhansiri in Nagaland was inaugurated on November 5. The village was established in 2015 on land purchased from Pimla village and also borders Kiyeto, Razaphe Basa and Dhansiripar villages falling in Chümoukedima district.

It gained government recognition on February 15, 2024. The formal commemoration programme was held at the village with a host of state government dignitaries in attendance. MLA & Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense was the special guest, and also unveiled the commemorative monolith. Rev Dr Pongsing Konyak, former General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council pronounced the dedicatory prayer.

Jakhalu termed Chen village as the “newest baby in our area” or the Assembly Constituency which she represents. “Today, we celebrate the birth of a new village, Chen, the newest addition to our area. I am truly honored to be a part of this,” she said.

As the youngest, she urged the neighboring older villages to welcome Chen with open arms, making it feel like a valued member of the community. She said that Chen was starting out as a blank slate, a canvas waiting to be painted, “Let us work together to plan and build a beautiful village.” She also stressed the importance nurturing traditional knowledge and ensuring that the elders continue to pass it on to the younger generations. “Let us not forget our heritage. Let us strive to cultivate a community where our children and youth flourish and become shining stars,” she said.

She further committed to contributing to the village’s growth through the Local Area Development Programme fund, while adding that the other legislators, who attended the inauguration function would do so as well. Members of the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union, led by CL John, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, had turned out in strength.

Village elders from the neighbouring villages, state government officials and Konyak civil society leaders and from other communities were also in attendance.

As told at the programme, the land was purchased from Ihevi, a retired bureaucrat of Pimla village, “at a very reasonable and affordable rate.” We considered it as a generous gift,” said the Chairperson of Chen village. According to him, Minister CL John is one the founding members of the village, where he is popularly known as “Head GB.”

Chen village became the 24th recognised village in Dhansiripar subdivision. The subdivision has a total of 42 villages, including village that are still to get government recognition.