A declaration ceremony was held at held Yimkhiung Headquarter, Shamator town to officially change the erstwhile Yimchunger Naga as Yimkhiung Naga on September 8. (Photo Courtesy: YTC)
Shamator, September 8 (MExN): The declaration ceremony of Yimkhiung Naga tribe was held at Yimkhiung Headquarter, Shamator town with Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), R Tsapikiu Sangtam, President as special guest on September 8.
Gracing the ceremonial re-christening programme, a press release issued by R Wongchum Yim, Secretary, Publicity and Information, Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) stated that the ENPO President exhorted the Yimkhiungrü to “live by the real meaning of the tribe’s name” and invoked God's blessings for prosperity and development in every front and wished the Yimkhiungrü a bright future for posterity.
The special invitees included KT Vilie, Convener 14 Tribal Hohos of Nagaland and Sapu Bhattacharyya, Director NEC Energy Pvt Ltd besides leaders from Angami Public Organisation, Chang Khulei Setshang, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Sümi Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho and United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji.
KT Vilie, Convenor of 14 Tribal Hohos of Nagaland in his address reiterated the historical meaning of “Yim-search and Khiung- reached.” He said, “You have searched and found ENPO, searched and found 14 Tribal Hohos. Naga political parties have united without any opposition and now Naga United Government is formed. Naga national workers are also almost united.”
Vilie also said, “every Nagas come under one banner during the vexed issue of ULB elections in 2017 and thereby, this 14 Tribal Hohos took its form.” He assured YTC of all-out support towards creation of Shamator District proposal, Naga unity and political aspirations.
On the misspelling of Yimkhiung DC Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS said, “It was due to ignorance, sheer negligence and lack of education then. Now, we have rechristened so that it is correctly spelled and heard with meaning.”
Sapu Bhattacharyya, Director NEC Energy Pvt Ltd said, “during two decade old relationship with Yimkhiungrü, one thing that he found in abundance in Yimkhiung land is love.”
Others who spoke were Kekongchim, former President ENPO, who appealed the Naga tribal leaders present in the ceremony to extend solidarity with Yimkhiungrü in its quest for the Shamator district demand.
YTC President, Throngso Yimchunger briefed on the history and made the declaration of the name “Yimkhiung.” R Tohanba, Ex-parliamentary Secretary, Nagaland delivered a short message on how the idea to change to Yimkhiung was forwarded to government by T Torechu, Ex-Parliamentary Secretary and him during their stint in DAN-III.
Chairman, Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission, Thronghokiu thanked Government of Nagaland for the approval while lamenting that Toshi Wungtung, Advisor VG, IPR & SCERT Government of Nagaland could not be present on such historic and epoch making day but will cherish his contributions. Lakiumong, President YGBA said the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Rev Hopong and God's blessings were invoked by Dr SJ Akhum, Executive Secretary, YBBA and Rev R Thsankiu, Pastor STBC said dedicatory prayer and benediction respectively.
