‘Protection, Promotion and Preservation’

May 3, 2023 51 Views No Comment

Rio stresses on importance of culture and tradition

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 3

The second day of the Moatsü festival organized by the Ao Senden, Mokokchung was graced by Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio as the chief guest and Metsubo Jamir, Minister, RD & SIRD, as the guest of honor.

The Chief Minister in his address said that such kind of festivals promotes brotherhood within various tribes and helps in promoting oneness and one identity, along with the sharing of common tradition and culture.

“Our forefathers brought about our rich culture and tradition which is being forgotten because of modernization and the coming of Christianity,” he said. “We should therefore protect, promote and preserve our rich culture and tradition, for which the government of Nagaland is organizing road shows and the festival of the festivals which is the hornbill festival,” he added.

If we lose our culture and tradition, we will lose our identity, Rio said reminding the gathering on the Naga history stating how the Britishers considered the Nagas as ‘hot-blooded’ warriors with rich culture and tradition.

“We should not forget the recognition of the Britishers. They did not interfere or involve in the local administration and protected the tribals by introducing the ILP and none can take the land of the Nagas and also the inclusion of Article 371 (A) for our own protection. Therefore, whether we will save ourselves, protect our culture and tradition or destroy save ourselves is up to us,” he stated.

Towards this, Rio proposed a new Nagaism-by forgeting individualism, clanism, tribalism and stop fighting among ourselves. If we not have Nagaism in the Naga level, we will not be able to solve the Naga issue, he asserted.

He also addressed the Naga issue where he said that it’s been 70 years of Naga struggle and 26 years of cease fire dialogue, but we are not able to find a solution and therefore need to question if we are able or not. He urged the Naga leaders to do what they can do when they are alive and work with unity so that the younger generation and Naga future will move forward.

He also urged all tribal hoho leaders present at the gathering to attend a meeting that is convened on May 9 with regard to the ULB election and Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). Mestubo Jamir, Vezuhu Keyho, President Chakhesang Public Organization, Nungsanglemba, President, Chang Khulie Setshang, Nikheto Zhimomi, President, Sumi Hoho also spoke on the occasion. Presidents of 14 tribe hohos also attended the Moatsü celebration along with ministers and advisors of the government of Nagaland.

Folk dance competition was also held on the occassion where Molungkimong Cultural Troupe bagged the first prize, Tongpangreju Cultural Society bagged the second prize while the third place was bagged by Tazulenden Cultrual Society.

The semi final and final matches of the tug of war for both men and women were also played where Almepang were declared the champions in the men category and Salangtem ward bagged the runner-up. In the women category, Alempang was declared the champion while Sangtemla ward bagged the runner-up position.