APO golden jubilee strengthens unity

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and others with APO officials during the golden jubilee celebration of APO in Kohima on April 8. (Morung Photo)
 

(Left) A section of the gathering. (Right) Methaneilie Jütakhrie presenting a special performance during the celebration. (Photo Courtesy: Ozünglemba Jamir)
 

Affirms to live in congenial and progressive manner

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 8 

The golden jubilee celebration of the Angami Public Organization (APO) today strengthened the unity of the Angami Nagas and affirmed to live in a congenial and progressive manner.

Around 20,000 delegates from four Angami regions— Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), Northern Angami Public

rganization (NAPO), Western Angami Public Organization (WAPO) and Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) joined the celebration, which was held at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground).

Celebrated under the theme ‘Angamimia Therhu’ (Sense of Honour Among the Angamis), Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hoisted golden jubilee flag while the APO flag was hoisted by the organisation’s President Razouvotuo Chatsu. The celebration also witnessed hoisting of flags from 104 Angami villages.

Both young and old joined in the unity dance, reflecting a sense of one mind and one soul. The celebration focused on the spirit of forgiving and forgetting past misdeeds, as well as strengthening the channel of peace and unity to do something good for society

Gracing the occasion as the chief guest, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon the Angami community to practice good nature and good moral character and be a blessing to the people of the state. “Let us continue to uphold the good behaviours and work towards the welfare of our people,” Rio said.

“Our forefathers have been faithful and honest and that is one reason why we are able to lead the people even in the government front,” he said.

“If we look back at history we can see how our people have led the Nagas in many ways,” the CM said, adding that the Angami community has contributed tremendously to the Naga political issue.

During the initial period, Rio said the APO faced many problems but the pioneers have planned far ahead and formed APO to work for the common good and interest of the Angami community. He saluted the pioneers for leading APO over the last 50 years. Further, the Nagaland CM called upon the people to stay united and march forward for a progressive society.

The first President of the APO Zapuvisie Lhousa recalled that under the visionary initiative of elders, APO came into being on April 8, 1972. “This organization is not to suppress or oppress others. Nor it is a political party but a public platform to work for humanity,” Lhousa said.

He added that “our forefathers, through their farsighted vision initiated the Naga national movement and the common goal is due for a final and honourable settlement. Today, the Angamis must stand on integrity to guide our society to a new era. I have a hope that this can be brought about by this generation.”

“Let us learn more to love and care for one another,” he added.

Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) Executive Director, Rev Dr V Atsi Dolie invoked God’s blessing for the programme while APO golden jubilee organizing committee convenor, K Neibou Sekhose delivered the welcome address.

Earlier, NAPO President, Zeneituo Yano spoke on behalf of the four Angami region organizations.

The celebration was marked by honouring former APO presidents, special numbers/folk songs from various troupes and Angami singers, folk dances, tug of war, unity dance, jubilee feast and winded up with a special performance by renowned singer Methaneilie Jütakhrie.