Nagaland: News in Pictures

Luira Festival in all Tangkhul villages marks the end of leisure time and the start of the hectic workload of an agrarian life. As such, each and every villager, old and young, makes it a case to enjoy to the fullest during the festival. Adorned in traditional attires, Tangkhuls in Dimapur celebrated the Luira Phanit – the seed sowing festival at the Stone Park, NEZCC, Diphupar on March 8. Gen (Retd) VS Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN, was the chief guest on the occasion and performed the traditional act of invoking blessings for a bountiful harvest. A song competition on Lungchan Laa, a duet that is sung during courting was the main highlight of the day. Young and old also took part in the Hao Laa, traditional folk song that is sung during seed sowing time. Other highlights included competitions on cultural wear, folk song and tug-of-war.

Open sewage overflowing in a busy intersection at Duncan Basti, Dobhinalla road in Dimapur. Shop-keepers in the vicinity have complained that authorities were allegedly turning a blind to the situation although it has been prevalent for several months now. One of them mentioned that it was caused due to a blockage at one portion of the drains. The stagnant water is not only a health risk to the people living nearby but severely unhygienic as meat and vegetable products such as chicken were being sold openly just right next to it. (Morung Photo)
A cleanliness awareness campaign billed as “Keep Our Highway Clean” took place on March 9 along Phek to Pfutsero 2 lane road from Riikizu junction to Phek village via Porba, Sakraba, Pholami, Khomi and Losami. Keynote address was delivered by Khriehuzo Lohe before the start of the drive at Riikizu junction.
As part of its ‘Social Responsibility Initiative’ the Chümoukedima Ao Lanur Telongjem (CALT) conducted a social work at Chümoukedima DC Complex on March 9. A total of 98 members took part in the social work whereby overgrowth in and around DC Office Complex was cleared. This is the second year running that CALT has conducted social work at the DC Complex. CALT led by its President, various Ao elders also participated in this initiative.
In order to enhance local skills and promote sustainable practices, a week-long training focusing on Banana Fibre Extraction & Handicraft Product Development commenced at Bhandari Community Hall, Wokha on March 8. The programme is organised by Shishoi Oshom-ETF Cell, Wokha, and Phiren Farmers Producer Company Limited, Bhandari, in collaboration with the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre, Dimapur. A total of 53 farmers from Phiren Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) participated in the programme. The participants will be provided a comprehensive training encompassing practical and theoretical aspects of banana fibre extraction and handicraft product development during the training period.