Chakhesang Naga tribe celebrates 75 years of existence; know what it means

PHEK: The Chakhesang tribe, one of the major Naga ethnic groups found in the state of Nagaland, India, celebrated 75 years of existence at Phek town yesterday (January 11). Chakhesangs are the former Eastern Angamis, now recognized as a separate tribe.

The 75 years of the Chakhesang tribe was celebrated under the aegis of Chakhesang Public Organisation at Phek town in Nagaland yesterday, which saw several senior officials, as well as leaders of the tribe, converge to celebrate the historic day.

The tribe is divided into two groups known as Chokri and Khezha. The name "Chakhesang" was created as an acronym from the names of three tribes: the Chokri, Khezha, and Sangtam (now Pochury).

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"75 years back, on January 10, 1946, the erstwhile Eastern Angamis, came to be known as the Chakhesang tribe. They were from a different district and had different traits and customs in comparison to the Angamis," N. Bhavani Sri IAS, SDO, Phek, who was one of the dignitaries present at yesterday's ceremony, informed Inside Northeast, adding, "Once some of the tribes' members became educated, they spearheaded a movement to get a separate identity, which is how the present-day Chakhesang tribe came into existence. The name Chakhesang symbolizes the unity of Chakru, Kheza, and Sangtam (Pochury) into one integrated tribe."

Notably, Melhupra Vero (1934 – January 24, 2020), the first member of parliament from among the Naga people, was a Chakhesang Naga.

Most of the villages of this tribe fall within the Phek district of Nagaland. However, two Chakhesang villages (Jessami and Soraphung/Krowemi) are in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.

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