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Peren
District is inhabited by the Zeliangs who originated from Nkuilwangdi,
presently in Senapati District of Manipur.
After consolidating British rule in Kohima and surrounding villages by
1879, the British Imperialist turned its attention towards Barail ranges
South of the Angami Country inhabited by the Zeliangs (Known to the
Britishers as Kacha Nagas) and succeeded in establishing their authority
over the Zeliangs within the following years. Soon after, the British
Government realized the importance of proper communication to carry out
colonial administration and extention of political administrative
control. Accordingly, link roads were constructed linking Kohima with
all the outlying posts. One such link roads constructed was the bridle
path through Khonoma via Benreu Pedi, Peletkie, Peren, Tesen to Tening
outpost in 1885. Moreover, comfortable Dak Bangalows also known as
Inspection Bangolows, were constructed at Pedi, Peletkie and Tesangki.
This bridle path proved effective in quelling the freedom movement led
by Rani Gaidinliu between 1931 -1940 and her subsequent capture from
Poilwa village by Captain Macdonald And as a Precautionary measure
against its revival, the british Government maintained its outpost at
Tening (Henima).
Moreover, side by side with its political interest, the
colonial administration realized the importance of propagating
Christianity amongst the Naga Tribes. Thus, the introduction of
Christianity and imperialist expansionist policy went hand in hand which
had far-reaching impact on the Nagas, including the Zeliangs on the way
to faster growth and advancement. The Kohima Mission Centre, in
particular, proved to be the center of “turning point” for the Zeliangs
as more than a Century ago Heizieluing of Benreu Village who was
employed as a developmental worker in this Center became the first
convert amongst the Zeliang tribe, to be followed years later by other
fellow villagers, also from this Centre. Thus Christianity spread among
the Zeliangs. Consequent to the spread of Chtristianity when Peren Town
was first established, one of the first things the early settlers did
was to set up a Church with Ngimraing as the first Pastor Resultantly,
Christianity is deep rooted in Peren District with Christian comprising
about 95% of the total population. |
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