Kohima: Diezephe village marked its 50th anniversary on October 29 with a celebration at the village ground in Chümoukedima. The milestone event followed the theme, Honouring our past, Building our future. Hekani Jakhalu, MLA and Advisor for Industries and Commerce, attended as a special guest. She praised the residents for their self-reliance and craftsmanship in woodcraft and handloom weaving.
Jakhalu promised to push for the village to become a model craft and tourism site for all of Nagaland. Government recognition as a Handicraft Village dates back to 2001. Proposals for further development are now sitting with the Ministry of Textiles. She championed the Loinloom Festival as a vital pillar of local identity. “This is not merely an event, it represents the identity of Diezephe, honours our mothers, and lays the groundwork for the community's future,” Jakhalu said.
Er Kropol Vitsu, MLA and Advisor for Prisons, Printing and Stationery, also spoke to the crowd. He paid tribute to the pioneers who established the village in 1976. He credited former Chief Minister Late Vizol Angami with naming the settlement Diezephe, which translates to obedient village. Vitsu urged the residents to protect their traditional council systems and customary laws.
Vitsu warned against letting partisan politics infiltrate local leadership selection. He emphasized the protections granted under Article 371A of the Constitution and the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act of 1978. These structures ensure land rights and local governance remain intact. He believes this legal framework keeps the community stable and conflict-free.
The event included a history presentation by VCM Dovepra Chüzho and a blessing from founding member Yekronu Lupu. Leaders participated in ceremony, with Jakhalu presenting the souvenir and Vitsu revealing the jubilee monolith. Musical performances from the Diezephe Jubilee Choir, Diethosilie Sorhie, and Methaneilie Jütakhrie Solo closed out the day.
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