MLA Imchen pushes for common platform for Nagas of Nagaland

November 8, 2022 33 Views No Comment

Tokhu Emong Mini Hornbill Fest concludes

Wokha, November 8 (MExN): Highlighting the role of the Lotha community towards the Naga movement, MLA Imkong L Imchen called on the Lotha community to work towards the vision of a common platform for all Nagas.

Addressing the final day of the Tokhu Emong festivities at Local Ground, Wokha which was organized by the Lotha Hoho on Monday, Imchen spoke highly of the Lotha community and recounted the various initiatives and resolutions towards the Naga movement that were taken up by the Lotha Hoho erstwhile known as Lotha Tribal Council (LTC), a DIPR report stated.

He is said to have recounted the first Naga convention at Wokha district hosted by the LTC and summed up that the Lotha community envisioned for the Nagas as a collective with one general platform, thus resulting in the Naga Hoho.

In this context, Imchen is said to have lamented that the original mandate of the Naga Hoho has been ‘diluted’ and that there is division among the Naga tribes now. Even the Lotha Hoho (LTC), despite the early efforts toward the initiative, is out of the Naga Hoho he said, while calling on the Lotha Hoho to study and push for a restructuring what they had begun so that Nagas of Nagaland can have one common platform.

At the same time, MLA Imchen also said that the recently formed Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) is a ‘naturally formed organization’ when all other tribes such as the Eastern community and the Southern community of Nagas had their own associations. He maintained that the three tribes—Ao, Sumi and the Lotha— were left; thus leading to the ‘natural formation’ of CNTC. He also said that the CNTC ‘has no agenda to discriminate against anyone’ and is in support of everybody, the DIPR report stated.

Imchen wished the Lotha community prosperity through the celebration of Tokhu Emong Mini Hornbill Festival and hoped that the goodness of the community would be rejuvenated and they would continue to contribute towards the Naga society.

According to the DIPR, the celebration witnessed traditional dances and folk song presented by Watsu Telongjem Wokha, Wokha Town Phiro Cultural Organization and Niroyo Epoe Eramoe Okho, while the choir of Wokha Town Baptist Church present Tokhu song on the occasion.

Earlier in the programme, Wopemo Tsopoe, advisor Lotha Hoho shared the history and the practices of Lotha ancestors as well as how and why the community celebrates Tokhu Emong. Rev Mhathung Lotha, Missionary at Large, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church said a prayer of blessing.

The day event ended with tug-of-war completion wherein Zuvotong Colony emerged as the champions. The three-day programme and five-day Tokhu Night carnival culminated with Er Mhathung Kikon, Executive Engineer (R&B), Wokha as the valedictory guest.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/mla-imchen-pushes-for-common-platform-for-nagas-of-nagaland