Longleng, September 29 (MExN): As part of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (Cleanliness is Service)’ campaign in the district the Konyak community of Longleng observed its 2nd Lao-ong mo festival ‘plastic free’ at its KU Treasury, Oushok on September 28.
A press release issued by Manjong Phom I/A DPRO office, Longleng stated that the festival was observed under the theme “Celebrating festival of thanksgiving with oneness and ‘No’ to plastic” and the celebration was marked with use of indigenous local plates, cups, spoons, filters, etc make of bamboos, woods and leaves.
It stated that acknowledging the initiative and contribution of the community, the Longleng Town Council (LTC) awarded the KU unit, Longleng with cash prize and segregation waste bins during the SHS Awareness Campaign.
Yanyak Konyak, Assistant Professor, Yingli College spoke on the significance of Lao-ong mo. He appealed to the gathering to celebrate the festival with traditional value and was optimistic that the festival would bring peace and harmony among the Konyaks living in Longleng and build good cordial relationship with other community.
In his vote of thanks the DPRO, Longleng Hongpi Konyak briefed the gathering about Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign in the district and harmful effects of plastic to our health and environment. He urged the Konyaks of Longleng to uphold the theme of the celebration with true spirit and contribute its value to others beginning from their respective family.
In their short speeches Shingmei Phom, Council Chairman Oushok village and B Chumben Phom, senior citizen of Longleng shared the traditional bilateral bond between Konyak and Phom communities and the existence of old relationship between the two till today. Exhorting the gathering they lauded the KU unit Longleng for organizing the festival with uniqueness in line with plastic free campaign in the district.
Earlier, invocation was pronounced by Rev. Chingkhu Pastor Oushok Baptist Church while the welcome address was proposed by Anba Konyak President KU unit, Longleng. Nyemphong, Orangkong village spoke on behalf of in-laws. Pongnyak Youth Director Police Baptist Church, Tingnai Head Master Vision Vale School and Yangme Police constable entertained the gathering with a special number. The programme concluded with benediction by Ayong, Pastor Leinak Baptist Church.
