As the Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO), one of the oldest organizations in Nagaland, celebrates its 150th anniversary, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio shared plans to establish a state-of-the-art playground named Samagooting adjacent to the DC Office Compound in Chumoukedima. This, he said, aims to ensure future generations remember their roots and history, as he has been working with the Chumoukedima Village Council to bring this vision to life.
Addressing the gathering at Local Ground, Chumoukedima Town, during CPO’s Sesquicentennial Celebrations, Rio acknowledged that the CPO, which was mentioned in British officer Captain Butler’s reports in 1874 as the “Chakhromah Group,” may be the oldest social organization in the state. “As a citizen of Chakhroma area myself, I thank all the participants for gathering here today to show your solidarity with CPO today. CPO story is the history of the Angamis,” he declared.
Reflecting on history, Rio noted that the British administrative headquarters were moved from Asaloo to Chumoukedima in the 1860s. He recalled how, as early as 1873, the British Parliament passed the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act to safeguard the culture, traditions, and way of life in the region. “From 1978, a Tribal Belt was declared throughout Dimapur district to protect our land and culture,” he added, emphasizing the role of Village Council Chairmen, GBs, and tribal organizations in working with the govt to uphold these goals.
It may be mentioned that the British chroniclers pronounced/spelled Chumoukedima as Samagooting in most of their reports and books, and it was their Administrative headquarter from 1866 till the later part of 1878 when the HQ was shifted to Kohia located in the middle of Angami country.
Rio further commended the people of Chakhroma for being magnanimous allowing all tribes and communities of the State to settle in their area and live together in harmony, and suggested that they continue to be generous even in future.
Rio spoke of the foresight of Chakhroma leaders, whose welcoming attitude allowed other Angami villagers and Naga communities to settle in the area. “Today we are enjoying the benefits of this foresight of the past leaders, he said and appealed to the present generation to continue to welcome everyone into their area,” he said.
He encouraged all who received the event’s commemorative souvenir to share its historical insights with younger generations, saying that the book is based on documented British records, not solely oral tradition.
Recalling how he, as Chief Minister, had decided to shift the earlier site of District HQ to the present area, he said District headquarters should be spacious and have room for future development and expansion.
Rio also highlighted Chumoukedima’s advantages, pointing out that all communities live together in harmony and enjoy good connectivity, with railheads at Shukhovi and Molvom and an airport, as well as healthcare facilities like CISHR and educational institutions such as NIT, ICFAI University, St. Joseph University, Global Open University, and North East Christian University.
“Our forefathers had worked tirelessly to propagate the spirit of oneness of the Nagas family, and we all should continue to further and nurture that spirit,” he added.
Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, in his address at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO), highlighted the importance of maintaining a historical record for future generations. The Advisor emphasized that despite ongoing divisions, the Nagas are one family with a shared history and common goals. He called for unity, peace, and economic growth, urging all stakeholders to work together for a unified solution to the challenges faced by the Naga community.
Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense, congratulated the CPO on reaching this significant milestone. She reflected on the importance of restoring and renewing relationships, quoting Leviticus, and expressed hope that the blessings of the CPO would continue for future generations.
Thejao Vihienuo President of Angami Public Organisation; Kheto Zhimomi President of Western Sümi Hoho, A. Ernest Sephe President of Zeme Council, Kenilo Rengma President of Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council and Chabi Kumar Mech President of Kachari Tribal Council delivered their speeches and greetings on the occasion.
Special numbers were presented by Medziphema Village Youth Organization and cultural items by Chumoukedima circle CPO.
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