Viswema


Viswema is a Southern Angami Naga village located 22 km south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, India. With a resident population of 7417, it is the second biggest village in the state and is part of the contiguous built-up of the Kohima metropolitan area that extends into the neighboring areas of Jakhama, Kigwema and Khuzama in the Southern Angami region, forming the second largest urban agglomerations in Nagaland. Its vast territory also lies across the inter-state boundary in Manipur where notable features including Mount Tempü at 9822 feet also the highest peak in Manipur, the thick forest of Kezol–tsa and a major portion of the Dzüko Valley is located.
It is considered to be one of the oldest Tenyimi village with most Chakhesang villages and also many other Angami villages pointing their origin towards Viswema.

Etymology

Traditionally referred to as Viswe–ra, a name given by its historical ancestor Keyho which loosely translates to as ‘A place of people with Virtue and Integrity’
Viswema is also known as Ve-sr-wü–ra by the Chokri Chakhesangs and Shüna–mai by the Ememei Maos.

History

In the past Viswema was known for making fine pottery ware. For any function and rituals earthen pots were purchased from Viswema by neighboring communities.

Modern era

World War II
When the Japanese and INA soldiers entered Naga Hills in early April 1944, many of them stayed at the outskirt of the village. They dug trenches and built strong bunkers everywhere in the vicinity of the village. Since the Allies operation against Japanese occupation of Kohima, Viswema was continuously hit by explosive missiles which were fired by cannons from Kohima and later on from Kigwema as launching pads. Many people were killed and injured. On 10 June 1944, a message from the Allies sources was conveyed to the village elders telling them to evacuate their village. The village was evacuated the next day. Bombings on 14 June continued till the village which had more than 600 houses at that time was completely razed to the ground. The same evening the Japanese forces at Viswema retreated to the route by which they had entered Naga Hills two months back. Viswema was then taken over by the Allies.
2010 Mao Gate Incident
On 5 May 2010, Thuingaleng Muivah the present General Secretary of the NSCN-IM arrived at Viswema on his way to his home village of Somdal in Ukhrul district, Manipur which was strongly opposed by the Manipur government. Muivah stayed overnight at Viswema which was nearby on the inter-state border. The next day thousands gathered at Mao Gate to protest against the Manipur State Government's decision to prevent the entry of Muivah into Manipur but however violence broke out between the civilians and security forces stationed at the Manipur-Nagaland border. On that fateful day, two students were killed in indiscriminate firing by security forces of Manipur. Scores were injured.

Geography

Viswema is situated at above sea level on the eastern part of the Barail mountain range. It is bounded on the west by Zeliangrong villages, on the north by Jakhama, on the east by Kidima, on the south-east by Pudunamei and on the south by Khuzama.

Topography

The Jakhama boundary on the north is marked by a river known as Kerho–l and on the south, the Khuzama boundary is marked by another river known as Chokhwi–l or Kezo–l. Both the river flows in parallel direction to meet at the Dzü-ü river which later flows into the biggest river in Nagaland—the Doyang in Wokha District.
Mount Tempü, the highest peak in Viswema with an altitude of above sea level, the highest elevation of the surrounding area is located to the south western part of Viswema. Its summit can be reached easily by the Khiyoke route.
On the western side is the Dzüko Valley which includes a range of hillocks, the valley is drained by the Dzüko River which flows in a westerly direction forming the present day inter-state boundary between Nagaland and Manipur. On its west side, the Dzüko valley is flanked by the thick wooded Kezol–tsa forest which has diverse species of flora and fauna.

Climate

Viswema has warm summers and cool dry winters. Snow falls occasionally on higher altitudes.

Wards

Viswema comprises of two wards:
Viswema is located in Jakhama sub-division of Kohima district, Nagaland with total 1369 families residing. It has a population of 7417 of which 3576 are males while 3841 are females as per Population Census 2011.
In Viswema the Average Sex Ratio is 1074 which is higher than Nagaland state average of 931. Child Sex Ratio for the Viswema as per census is 1076, higher than Nagaland average of 943.

Culture and attractions

Festivals

Apart from the major religious festivals like Christmas, Easter, etc. the village also celebrates several local festivals.
Te–l Khukhu is a festival that falls on 13 July. It is a time of giving and sharing of food with each other. This is the only festival dedicated for girls. Come July and the young damsels are abuzz with preparations for the Te–l Khukhu festival. They start collecting wild flowers in advance to decorate the particular Chokrwu they decide on. The most common flowers are Khwüso Pü, Phakü Pü, Terü su and Tsakoshe Pitha Nü. Gone were the days when different animistic rituals were performed but with the advent of Christianity the rituals were no longer performed. Today it is celebrated as a time of get-togetherness and sharing the little you have with your dear and near ones.

Places of interest

The main entry to Dzüko Valley is from Viswema where one can travel to the rest house above Teyozwü by a Tata Sumo taxi. From here one has to climb forty minutes to the top of the mountain. This is where Dzüko starts but the main valley is still another two hours walk away.
This is the highest peak in Viswema situated at an altitude of 2994m above sea level. The best time to visit this peak is during the snow covered winter months.
This is a hill located between Viswema and the Dzüko valley.
This is a garden located above Viswema on the way to Dzüko valley. It is also a part family burial ground of a Zheri–mi clan.

Cuisines

Viswema has a higher literacy rate compared to Nagaland. In 2011, the literacy rate of Viswema was 80.69% compared to 79.55% of Nagaland. In Viswema Male literacy stands at 86.91% while female literacy rate was 74.89%.
Educational Institutions in Viswema:
The St. Joseph's College, Jakhama is located about two km from Viswema.

Government and politics

Government

Viswema is headed by the chairman of the Viswema Village Council. The council does not only represent the citizens of Viswema but every citizens of Viswe–mi residing in and outside Viswema. The council is responsible for customary practices, public safety, welfare services, etc. The chairman and council members are elected to five-year term. The term for the chairman and council members lasts five years and only has a one term limit.

Politics

Viswema falls under Southern Angami–II Assembly Constituency of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
;Notable political leaders

Airports

The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport at Dimapur near the Assam border about away. The airport serves domestic flights to and from the country.
The Bir Tikendrajit International Airport is located about south of Viswema.
Both the airports are linked to Viswema by the Asian Highway 1.

Roadways

Highways passing through Viswema

Viswema is well connected by road with the AH1 and also the NH-2 and the state highway connecting it with the various parts of Kohima district and also the neighboring Phek district through Viswema. Taxis from Kohima to Viswema are also available.

Rail

The Dimapur Railway Station serves as the nearest railway station to Viswema. The currently under-construction Zubza Railway Station on the Dhansiri–Zubza line once completed will serve as the nearest railway station from Viswema.

Notable personalities

Throughout its history, a sizeable number of people of Viswema descent have become notable in many varied fields. Among its notable personalities are prominent figures in the state such as: