Travellers taking alternative route between Kohima and Dimapur take tea and snacks offered by the Mezo-Kuotsu Youth Organisation on August 22. The NH-29 road connecting the two districts has been cut off by a massive massive at Dzüdza Bridge.
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 22
Amidst the challenges brought upon by the massive landslide at Dzüdza under Sechü Zubza on National Highway-29, a heartwarming tale of community spirit and selflessness has unfolded. Despite the ongoing restoration works, the incessant rainfall has worsened the condition, leaving many vehicles and passengers stranded.
Subsequently, alternative routes have been arranged for light vehicles via Jotsoma-Khonoma-Mezoma-Sechüma-Sechü Zubza and the Dzüdza Bridge-Mezoma Basa-Sechüma-Sechü Zubza routes. For heavy vehicles, the alternative route is Peducha Bridge-Tsiesema (10 Mile Road).
Hence, when the section of the Kohima-Dimapur NH-29 road was rendered impassable due to a landslide, the Sechüma Thenumiapfü Mechü Krotho (Sechüma Women Organisation) and Sechüma Village Council (SVC), along with the Mezo-Kuotsu Youth Organisation (MKYO), rose to the occasion.
These entities have displayed the true essence of Naga culture and enduring values of resilience, compassion, and unwavering hospitality.
Earlier on August 17, the SWO and SVC offered tea, snacks, and water to the commuters passing through their jurisdiction, and the MKYO did the same on August 22.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Abaü Rhatsu, SWO General Secretary, modestly remarked, “It was not a big thing. It’s a small gesture from all of us, as we all know everyone is having a hard time due to the road closure.”
The travellers, she shared, are weary and tired due to the long hours of waiting, and with no hotels and restaurants nearby to rest, “We knew we had to do something, and it was a natural instinct to provide whatever we could,” she added.
Meanwhile, MKYO President Vithokuolie noted that it was a retired IFS officer, Husie Lhousie, who inspired the youth to carry out the service of offering tea, water, and snacks to weary travellers. The retired officer provided the essentials.
“It is gratifying,” he added, further informing that they will continue their services. Many people, Vithokuolie noted, have offered tips to them but were refused.
“We are not doing this to raise funds. We only want to help the travellers in the little ways we can,” he elaborated.
This selfless act of hospitality not only provided much-needed relief to weary commuters but also served as a powerful testament to the generosity and resilience of the Naga people. The deeds did not go unnoticed.
In a picture shared widely social media platforms, a traveller wrote: “Kohima to Dimapur road is blocked due to a landslide, so we have to take the diversion road crossing Mezoma village, where we found the Mezoma village youth organisation providing free tea, snacks, and water to all the travellers crossing their jurisdiction instead of taking advantage and raising funds. Real Naga Culture.”
Another observer commented: “Their unwavering commitment to serving others, even amidst logistical challenges, is a testament to the strength of community and the power of selflessness,”
