Jakhalu commits to develop Diezephe as model craft & tourism village
Morung Express News
Diezephe | October 29
MLA and Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, has assured continued efforts to develop Diezephe as a recognised model craft and tourism village, highlighting the community's hard work, skills and craftsmanship.
Speaking as special guest at the 50th anniversary celebration of Diezephe village on October 29, Jakhalu congratulated the community on attaining the milestone and expressed joy at being part of it.
The occasion was held at the village ground, in Chümoukedima under the theme, “Honouring our past, Building our future.”
Reflecting on the significance of the jubilee, she said it was not just a one-day celebration but a time for introspection, reformation and renewal of one's relationship with God.
Referring to the biblical significance of the 50th year in the book of Leviticus, she described jubilee as a time of release, restoration and reconciliation.
She urged villagers to leave behind past grievances, misunderstandings and disputes, and move forward in unity and love.
Maintaining that love and harmony must prevail within the community, she said the true spirit of jubilee should continue beyond the celebration.
Jakhalu particularly expressed her admiration for the people of Diezephe, calling them hardworking people who sustain themselves through honest toil while taking the village forward. She commended their reputation for self-reliance rather than dependence solely on government assistance.
She acknowledged the village's handloom weaving and woodcraft, as well as the annual Loinloom Festival. “This is not merely an event, it represents the identity of Diezephe, honours our mothers, and lays the groundwork for the community's future,” she noted, while assuring continued departmental support for the festival.
Stating that it has always been her vision to see Diezephe thrive, Jakhalu promised continued efforts to develop it into a model craft and tourism village for Nagaland. Diezephe was recognised as a Handicraft Village by the Government of Nagaland in 2001.
She informed that proposals and survey data has already been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Textiles through the Department of Industries and Commerce and her office as MLA.
She expressed her commitment to making it a model village not only for Dimapur-III constituency but for the entire state of Nagaland.
Calling upon the younger generation to take ownership of the village's future, the MLA said its transformation was not the responsibility of village leaders alone but required collective efforts of the entire community.
She encouraged the youth to value education alongside vocational skills and craftsmanship, stating confidence that by the village's 75th anniversary, Diezephe would be able to showcase significant achievements and successful initiatives.
Call for preservation of customary laws, village council system
MLA and Advisor for Prisons, Printing and Stationery, Er Kropol Vitsu, underscored the importance of preserving the traditional village council system, customary laws and the special constitutional provisions under Article 371A accorded to Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Vitsu congratulated the community on reaching the milestone and paid tribute to the pioneers whose sacrifices and contributions laid the foundation for the village.
Reflecting on the village's journey since its establishment in 1976, he acknowledged the significant progress made in infrastructure and development over the past five decades.
He also recalled the role of former Chief Minister Late Vizol Angami in naming the village Diezephe, which he said means an “obedient village.” He called on the community to uphold the values of unity, discipline and mutual respect associated with its name.
Highlighting the importance of the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act, 1978, Vitsu said that the traditional village council system differs from the Panchayati Raj system, particularly in the selection of village leaders rather than through elections.
He said that when political parties enter village elections, as in general elections, they can cause severe harm to village communities.
However, because Nagaland was spared that harmful system, he remarked that the community ought to be grateful, and that “Diezephe must continue to strictly follow this procedure.”
Vitsu further noted the significance of Article 371A of the Constitution, noting its provisions safeguarding Naga religious and social practices, customary laws and procedures, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
He also drew attention to the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 1978, underlining the need to understand and adhere to legal provisions governing land ownership and transfer.
On customary justice, Vitsu observed that the traditional system of resolving disputes at the grassroots level has helped communities settle conflicts without resorting to prolonged litigation.
He maintained that adherence to customary laws, the Village Council Act and Article 371A would help preserve harmony, strengthen village governance and guide Diezephe towards a progressive future.
Earlier during the event, Village Council Chairman Vezota Chüzho delivered the welcome address, while Velasüzo Shijoh, convenor of the Jubilee Organising Committee, extended jubilee greetings.
VCM Dovepra Chüzho shared a brief history of the village. Yekronu Lupu, one of the founding members and the eldest man in the village, pronounced the jubilee blessings.
The jubilee souvenir was unveiled by MLA and Advisor Hekani Jakhalu, while MLA and Advisor Er Kropol Vitsu unveiled the village jubilee monolith.
The celebration featured a performance by the Diezephe Jubilee Choir, while a special tribute to Diezephe was presented by Diethosilie Sorhie. Renowned Naga musician Methaneilie Jütakhrie Solo also enthralled the gathering with a special performance.
