KOHIMA, DECEMBER 3: The Mezomia Mechü Kehou (MMK) is gearing up to conduct the Angami traditional stone pulling ceremony in commemoration of the 142 years of the Anglo-Naga Peace Treaty at Mezoma village, some 18 Kms from the State capital via Hydro in Western Angami region.
Addressing a press conference, Convenor of the Ceremony Organising Committee, Neivikuolie Nicholas Khatsü said the stone pulling ceremony will be held within the village vicinity on December 6 at 11 a.m.
It is being organized in collaboration with the Tourism Department of Nagaland as an attraction of Hornbill Festival to commemorate the Anglo-Naga Vitho (peace treaty) held in Mezoma village on March 27, 1880 between the Angamis and the British, he said.
The peace treaty does not have any written history but has been passed on orally by the forefathers of the village.
Around 200 strong men of Mezoma village will be pulling the stone from the forefront while equal number of people from neighbouring villages as well as from Touphema villages, Tesophenyu and Tseminyu villages under Tseminyu district and Kikruma village from Phek district would be extending their helping hand, he said.
He said that the stone 14 feet tall, 4 feet wide and 1.7 feet thick would be pulled about 700 meters from the outskirts till the heart of the village.
After the ceremony, visitors both local and tourists, will be taken for the village walk for about 800 meters along with the villagers in traditional attire, including the head-gear, he said, adding that headgear worn by Mezoma villagers is the biggest, heaviest and the mightiest among Nagas.
The day will conclude with the ceremonial traditional feast for all.
Conveying that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, Khatsü extended an open invitation to the neighboring villages and also all tribal hohos of Nagaland to be part of the ceremony.
MKK secretary Khrielievi Chüsi informed that the 8 km route from Hydro in National Highway-29 to Mezoma village will be restricted for exit of any traffic from morning till the ceremony is over.
100+ in forefront and 200-300 – strong men in proper attires.
The organizers informed that interested tourists and visitors can easily locate the venue of the ceremony through Google map by searching Mezoma.
Organising Committee secretary Neisiesa Chüsi and Mezoma Welfare Forum secretary Vikosieto Krose were also present during the briefing held at Nagaland Olympic Association building here.
(Page News Service)
