MLA from Government of Assam, Debabrata Saikia addressing the gathering during the cultural exchange programme of Phom community and Assam Sivasagar district held at Yonglok, Longleng. (DIPR Photo)
Longleng, May 19 (MExN): The Phom Naga community bordering with Sivasagar district of Assam held a cultural exchange programme at public ground Yonglok, under Tamlu sub-division, Longleng District on May 16.
MLA and Leader of Opposition Government of Assam, Debabrata Saikia, graced the occasion as the special guest, while Nagaland MLA A Pongshi Phom graced the occasion as guest of honour, and MLA B Bangtick Phom was the chief host.
Debabrata Saikia, in his address said, since 1962, the 6th of June has been celebrated as Phom Day, a day dedicated to peace and harmony in their land. As this special day approaches, he extended his warm congratulations to the Phom community.
Historically, he said, Ahoms and Nagas have shared a deep friendship. “We all belong to India and are proud citizens of a democratic country. But at the same time, we should never forget our own cultures and traditions, and must always respect and uphold them,” he said.
He called upon the people of Assam and Nagaland to support each other in time of difficulty, and asserted “our work and efforts should benefit both Assam and Nagaland.” Saikia also said “though we each have our own laws, we must not take the law into our own hands. Instead, we should allow the administration to resolve any misunderstandings that may arise.”
Encouraging everyone to take advantage of the various government schemes, Saikia said “although we may come from different political parties, we must work together for the betterment of our society, unite for development and share our challenges. In doing so, we can bring prosperity to our states.”
Call for unity amid border concerns
MLA B Bangtick Phom in his speech said, “with great pride and humility, we stand together today, not merely as a representative of the Nagas and Phoms, but as a voice carrying forward the centuries-old bond between our lands a bond forged through shared struggles, collaboration, and mutual respect.”
Bangtick appealed the gathering not to forget this shared legacy, not merely of culture, but of conscience. “While we celebrate our shared legacy, we must also acknowledge present-day concerns. There are growing anxieties among our people about land boundaries disputes in the Namsang region. These are not just disputes over terrain, but reflections of a deeper need for dialogue, clarity, and respect. Let this occasion mark not just cultural unity, but also a commitment to resolve such matters in a spirit of trust and fairness, just as our ancestors did in the past.”
He said “we are all aware that land is not just a resource, but a part of our identity, a sacred link to our ancestors. However, let us not let this divide us. But work together, as communities who have stood side by side in history, to address these issues with mutual respect and understanding.” He urged upon everyone to continue what we started, and suggested that this kind of program to be held every year or once in two years.
He also advised to resolve every difference with wisdom, and focus on what we can accomplish together, not just in culture, but in prosperity, education, infrastructure, and community development.
Call for deeper cultural appreciation
In his address, MLA A Pongshi Phom said Assam has a rich and vibrant culture which has an undeniably far reaching influences and impact among the people of its neighbouring states. He was optimistic that organizing of such programme would definitely navigate cultural differences and helps in communicating with diverse background, develop cross-cultural communication skill, and introduce us to new culture, language, foster deep appreciation for diversity and most importantly encourage sense of global citizenship and promote understanding and tolerance across varying cultures.
“When we talk about relationship between the people of Assam and Nagaland, the people of both the states are peace loving and tolerant. The relationship is not restricted to exchange of goods and economic alone but it was more of an exchange of cultural practices which foster mutual relationship and dependences between the communities.” Therefore, he urged both the communities to appreciate and respect each other's differences and similarities.
Pongshi also highlighted the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT Highway) which is under construction will connect Moreh, India with Mae Sot, Thailand via Myanmar, will be a game changer for the region.
He said under the leadership of Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, efforts is being made to construct road from Longleng-Tobu-Noklak to Myanmar to connect with the rest of ASEAN nations. He believed that those neighbouring places such as Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat etc. with immense scope of having road connectivity with Eastern Nagaland will be greatly benefitted.
DC Longleng W Manpai Phom, NCS, and ADC Sivasagar, Geetalee Dowerah, also delivered solitary massage. Welcome address was delivered by YB Angam Phom, President Phom Peoples Council and short speech was also said by Ex-MLA Assam, Kushal Dowari and Chairman Tai Ahom Development Council Assam, Mayur Burgohain.
Other highlights included cultural dance performed by Tamlu village male (Nagaland), Bura Namsang female (Nagaland), Bamboo dance by Shetep village (Nagaland), Jeng Behu (Assam), Husori Behu (Assam), Kangching Village male (Nagaland) and Pongo cultural troops (Nagaland).
Earlier, the programme commence with an invocation by Rev H Beau Phom, Pastor Longleng Town Baptist Church. It was chaired by ADC Tamlu, T Lankonsen Tsanglao, and moderated by EAC Hq Longleng, Imkongnukla Ao.
