Young Rongmei girls perform a traditional dance during the Chakan Gaan-Ngai, festival of the Rongmeis celebrated in Dimapur on January 7. (Morung Photo)
Chakan Gaan-Ngai of the Rongmei tribe celebrated
Dimapur, January 7 (MExN): Close on the heels of the recent spate of killings in and around Dimapur, Zhaleo Rio, Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development, today urged upon all the citizens of Dimapur to make the city 'crime free'. He was speaking as chief guest on the occasion of Chakan Gaan-Ngai, the premier festival of the Rongmeis, here in Dimapur.
Calling Dimapur a 'mini Nagaland' because of the cosmopolitan nature, the chief guest urged the gathering to work together in unity and fulfill the theme of the festival which was "Celebrating Oneness." Further lamenting on the ever increasing “overground” organizations, Rio stated that many “overground” organizations have spurt out, with the sole intention of making financial gains and protecting oneself. This, he said, was not in the interest of Naga society.
The festival celebrated with much pomp saw various cultural items and songs being performed. Earlier, Thaban Rongmei, President, Rongmei Community, Dimapur, gave the welcome address, and, Khalo Kapfo, President, Tenyimi Union, who was the guest of honour, gave a short exhortation.
