Makhel Heritage Village monolith unveiled
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, April 17 2023: In a historic moment, Oinam and Makhel villagers unveiled a monolith symbolising the origin of Nagas at Makhel heritage village under Senapati district on Monday.

The monolith was unveiled and blessed by Makhel village S Pfokreni as special guest.

The words inscribed on the monolith read, "The Onaeme (people of Oinam hill village) erect this monolith on this day, the 17th April, 2023, affirming our affinity, identity and fraternity with the Makhramai (people of Makhel village) and the rest of Naga tribes, sub-tribes and clans who once sojourned and dispersed from Makhrai (Makhel).

"Glory and honour be unto God who bestowed the Nagas, our identity, history and land since ancient of days and for ages to come".

This monolith traces the historical roots of Onaeme, who once sojourned from Makhrai, dispersed and found their permanent settlement at Onaephung (Oinam hill village).

Since the days at Makhrai, Onaeme have been producing earthen wares for cooking, rites and rituals purposes.

Speaking on the occasion, former minister KS Benjamin Banee expressed gratitude to the Makhel villagers for their permission to erect the monolith at the Heritage Village.

He said that the day for the event was selected based on forefathers' lunar calendar, adding that the monolith signifies the true history of how Oinam hill villagers migrated from the village like other Naga villages did and organising such an event was to build stronger ties between the two villages, although they are far away from each other.

100 years ago, no one used silver/metallic utensils but only earthen pots and utensils and history is still there that Oinam hill villagers are making earthen pots since time immemorial.

Under Tennyimi family, two different villages, which are in present Nagaland state, were known to have made earthen pots, said Benjamin Banee.

Oinam villagers had served the king in those days and history tells that they were asked not to go away from the village as one knows from the folk songs that are still sung today.

Oinam villagers were prospering at their present village post migration from Makhel.

By now, the Oinam villagers settle in different villages, namely Ngamju, Tingsong, Sorbung, Oinam Laila, Taphou Onaeme, etc., with the increase in population, he added.

The former minister then urged all to unite for better future and for prosperity.

The event ended after a common feast at Makhel village.

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