Mokokchung, November 13 (MExN): A monolith commemorating the establishment of Saring Rongpang (trade route) was unveiled at Marok Dibuia village, Mokokchung district on November 8. Council members of 7 villages – Khensa, Chungtia, Aliba, Khar, Marok Dibuia, Changdang and Aonokpu – led by the respective Village Council Chairmen attended the unveiling of the monolith.
Saring Rongpang, a traditional trade route connecting several Ao villages with the Ahoms, was established in the 13th century during the reign of Ahom King Sukhrangpha (1332-64 A.D), informed a press release from Imti Pongen, Chairman, Dibuia Village Council. For the aforementioned 7 villages, this trade route bears great historical significance to Ao Naga-Ahom trade relations, it added.
The monolith was unveiled by Y. Chuba Longchar, chairman, Khensa Village Council. In his address, Chuba Longchar called for preserving the trade link road which exists till today. While the route may not be used today for trade purposes, it is a symbolic reminder of the historically friendly ties between Ao Nagas and the Ahoms. This spirit of brotherhood should be continued in the context of present day relations between Assam and Nagaland, he stated.
The programme was chaired by P. Mar Walling, GB, Marok Dibuia. Invocation was pronounced by R. Moa, pastor, Dibuia Compound Baptist Church.
