Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Diezephe village marks 50 years in 2026. Leaders are pushing the state government to fix broken infrastructure and prop up the local economy. The village depends on its craft workers. Roughly 70 percent of the residents earn their keep through weaving and woodwork. This trade brings in 50 to 60 lakh rupees every year.
The village earned the official label of Crafts Village in 2001. It became a designated Tourist Village in 2023. Despite these titles, the region struggles with high raw material costs and spotty electricity. Wood for their goods comes all the way from Peren district. Artisans churn out wooden spoons, kitchenware, and traditional gear that sell across Nagaland and beyond.
Former chairman Vepakhui Tunyi traced the history of the settlement back to 1975. Underground fighters settled here after an appeal to embrace civilian life. Then-chief minister Vizol Angami named the village Diezephe, which means obedient village. Tunyi recalled: "Many national workers, enduring immense hardship, accepted the appeal and resolved to establish a peaceful settlement where they could rebuild their lives."
Today, 370 households call the village home. Advisors Hekani Jakhalu and Kropol Vitsu plan to join the upcoming jubilee. Village leaders hope the event will finally drive the investment needed to turn their craft reputation into a thriving tourism hub.
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