Mokokchung, December 28 (www.nokinketer.in): The Khensa Kaketshir Telongjem 10th Walu Aten commenced at the Local Ground, Khensa, on Dec 28 and will conclude on Dec 30, under the theme “Putusen Yayim”.

On day 2, Dec 29, Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA and Advisor for Labor & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, GoN, will grace the program as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Arenla Walling, Additional Director, Health and Family Welfare, will attend as the Guest of Honour.

A total of 387 delegates from seven units are attending the event. The delegates include 35 from Amenyong, 26 from Mokokchung Town, 48 from Dimapur, 46 from Kohima, 100 from Yimyu ward, 67 from Yimtsüng (Village), and 65 from Kongrokong.

On the opening night, Temjenzulu, Economic and Statistical Organization (ESO), Kohima, in his brief exhortation, spoke on the theme of the 10th Walu Aten, “The Way of Life in the New Era.” He called upon the Khensa community, especially students and youths, to reflect seriously on the present condition of the village and respond with concrete action.

He said he has been pondering over the current scenario of Khensa villagers and urged the gathering to evaluate themselves as individuals, acknowledging that some observations may be uncomfortable but were shared without ill intention. He emphasised that encouragement must be supported by a clear action plan.

Highlighting social concerns, he observed that Khensa is gradually becoming a “village of widows,” stating that he was informed there are around 40 widows in the village, with nearly 80 percent of such cases linked to substance abuse. Sharing from personal experience, he admitted that he was once a drunkard and warned about the serious consequences of substance abuse, questioning the responsibility of students and youths in addressing the issue.

He also pointed out that despite being a village, Khensa depends on labourers from outside as local people are unwilling to work, stating that laziness has crept in and the dignity of labour has been lost. He cautioned that such dependence could lead to future immigration-related problems and stressed that villagers themselves can engage in labour and earn with dignity.

On education and economic responsibility, Temjenzulu noted that Khensa has well-trained teachers and government schools and institutions, yet families spend heavily on private institutions. He questioned this trend and asked what responsibility the community bears in achieving economic freedom and emancipation, adding that villagers often honour others more than their own people.

Addressing governance, he spoke about corruption, stating that some officials misuse public funds while the community remains silent. He expressed regret that students are not questioning such matters, reminding them of their power to inquire and seek transparency.

He further spoke on wisdom and leadership, stating that although wisdom is often discussed, it is rarely practiced. Referring to scholars, he said wisdom matures around the age of 60 and above and questioned why the village fails to access the knowledge of its experienced professionals.

Temjenzulu stated that the lack of political justice and economic evangelism stems from disunity, clarifying that blaming a religious curse is misplaced. He stressed the need for intelligence, social, and emotional quotients to work together, noting that Khensa has never had an MLA due to lack of unity.

Calling for reformation, he said revolution must begin at the individual, family, and societal levels. Questioning the purpose of Walu Aten, he asked what concrete reforms the Khensa Students’ Union has achieved beyond social interaction.

He proposed action plans including education reform through collaboration among village schools, institutions, the Village Education Trust, Village Council, and Students’ Union, urging parents to send children to government institutions while leaders work to strengthen them. He also stressed restoring the dignity of labour, focusing on Sunday Schools and home evangelism, observing a Khensa Reformation Day, and creating professional networks through WhatsApp groups.

Khensa Mongsen Yusa (Khensa Mongsen language) book second edition was released by Alemyapang Longchar, ADC, Chiephobozou.

*****