KODU officials and others during 2nd general session in Kohima
Kohima, November 26 (MExN): The Khezhakeno Outside Dwellers’ Union (KODU) held its 2nd general session on November 19 last at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.
The session was graced by Wepretso Mero, Rtd Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Nagaland as the guest speaker. Mero highlighted the origin of the nomenclature ‘Kozabomi’, later known as Khezhakeno, the ancestral village of the Nagas, from whence the forefathers of the Speaker's own village Pfutseromi, led by two pioneers namely Zano and Medonyi, migrated from.
Later on, the two pioneers called another four persons and settled in the present Pfutseromi village, blessed by the elders of Khezhakeno, i.e. the two villages have had a strong relationship. The shawl worn by one of the pioneers is still called Medonyi shawl.
Mero referred to a book about Naga migration titled ‘Origin & Culture of Nagas,’ 1985, by RR Shimray, that, in the 14th century, Naga migration route was through Makhel, and consequent settlement at Khezhakeno, from where the tribes of Sema, Lotha, Rengma, Sangtam, Ao, etc had dispersed to different parts of the state.
Mero also disclosed that in 1895, the elders of Khezhakeno had rejected Rev William Pettigrew, a British Christian missionary, twice, and the same was also rejected by Leshemi village.
The missionary then returned to Kohima, and eventually introduced western education in Manipur and converted the Tangkhul Naga tribe inhabiting Ukhrul district to Christianity.
The general session started with an invocation by Rev David Koza, ES CCCRC, Chetheba while welcome addressed was delivered by Medovie Koza. Greeting was shared by Lhouchinyi, VCC, Khezhakeno while vote of thanks was proposed by Salle Koza. The session was chaired by Khape Koza. The programme concluded with benediction by Rev Dr Vietso Koza, Pastor, CBCK. The Union inducted the new executive members for the session 2022-25, led by Merhaso Pfüno.
