Meanwhile, guest of honour, President Konyak Union Myanmar, Khotai Konyak while admitting that the Eastern Konyak (Myanmar Konyak) and Konyak of Nagaland (India) are “bound by blood,” as they belong to one family, he lamented that the Konyaks were “forcefully divided by artificial boundary between India and Myanmar; without their knowledge and consent, forcing them to live under two different identities, Konyak of India and konyak of Myanmar.” Apprising the CM of the difficulties faced by the eastern Konyak he said that they depend on the Indian side in availing basic amenities and education, as Naypyidaw was very far and difficult to reach for them. In this regard, he urged the CM to take up the issue with both the Indian Government and Myanmar Government to take up the issue of constructing road and providing development.
Other highlights of the Lao-ong were showcasing the Herald of Lao-ong by Longwa village, KU Unit wise competition in Haoh Peishup Te Yang Phei Metpu, Venglah Keppu, Ngo Shuppu, Haoh Te Ong Pu, Pho, Jee Te Ball Phei Shappu, Pei Phei Shuppu, Pe Sham Me Weihpu, Pongvong Vungpu and Wu-shupu for males and Kumtuk yaopu, Tah Sham Shupu, Yeangshaopu and Lik hokpu for females.
Other dignitaries who attended the festival were Y. Patton, Home Minister, Niki Kiri, minister Road and Bridges, Kipili Sangtam, minister of Power, Denwang Wangshu, MLA, Information and Technical Arunachal Pradesh, Nokchai, President, Naga Students Union, Arunachal Pradesh and other administrative officers leading by DC, Mon and SP, Mon.
The two days Konyak Lao-ong festival celebrated with the theme ‘Enculturation’ culminated with the Lao-ong Talent Nite with performance of individuals and groups in various categories of talent. Apart from these performances, popular Naga Rock band ‘Toxic Peace’ will perform the trade mark songs of indigenous and contemporary blending.
