Kohima, May 16 (DIPR): Ambassadors from European countries and European Union (EU) visited some historic places in Kohima, which included Kisama Naga Heritage village, and Khonoma Green village on 15th May 2012.
During their visit to Kisama, Naga Heritage village, a power point presentation of the Battle of Kohima, which was fought between the Japanese and British/Indian forces from April 4 to June 10, 1944, was displayed for the diplomats at the World war 11 Museum at Kisama.
The diplomats also visited Khonoma Green village where they were accorded warm reception by the villagers led by Head GB Ülalhu, officers, schools students and teachers in the short yet impressive programme held at the village main gate. President of Khonoma Rüffüno, Dr. Kedozeto Punyü, delivered words of introduction about Khonoma village. In his speech he said that Khonoma village was established around 15th century AD. He further narrated that when our ancestors came here the place was full of an aromatic plant called khwuno. Its scientific name is glouthera fragrantissima. The ancestors named the place khwunoria, meaning a place that is full of khwuno. The British could not pronounce it and renamed it as Khonoma" he informed. He also briefed about the battle of Khonoma where the village fought the British invaders from 1832 to 1880.
The village became the first green village in India when the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India at the instance of the State government declared Khonoma as a green village and sponsored various schemes to promote eco and community tourism, said Dr. Kedo.
Dr. Kedo said 'your visit to Nagaland and to our village surrounded by these mountains above us mean so much to give us and has paved an opportunity to make a fervent appeal to you to help us preserve them providing us the latest skills, knowledge and technology your nations have learned in your battle to save your and the worlds environment". He concluded his speech by appreciating and honouring the distinguished group of European Ambassadors for visiting Nagaland as well as villages in the remote corner of North East.
While visiting Khonoma, Cravinho the team leader said,'we came here to learn about the people of Nagaland and learn more about the society'. He expressed gratitude to the villagers as well as people of Nagaland for extending warm hospitality to the delegates. Later in the evening, the delegates departed for Dimapur where they are scheduled to attend various meetings.
