‘Ngiotsuo nou agne amon yamlukü’ by Eastern Nagas during the Cultural Fiesta organised by the Angami Students Union in collaboration with the tribal subordinate students bodies of Kohima at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on September 21.
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Morung Express News
Kohima | September 21
Leaders of various Naga student and tribal organisations called for greater unity among the Naga people, saying culture and tradition remain important links in preserving a shared identity and strengthening ties across tribal and geographical boundaries.
This call was made during a cultural fiesta organised by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) under the theme “Together in Culture, Together in Harmony” which brought together students and community leaders to celebrate their cultural diversity and shared heritage.
ASU President Diezevisie Nakhro said the fiesta was more than a celebration, describing it as an opportunity to appreciate the traditions, talents and diversity that bring the Naga people together. He thanked the subordinate tribal student bodies based in Kohima for their support and cooperation.
“We pledge for unity, integrity and sovereignty of our people,” Nakhro said, reaffirming the commitment of the student body towards unifying and glorifying the Nagas.
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In his solidarity message, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) President Nuheymong Yimkhiung also stressed the importance of cultural unity stating that the different colours and patterns represented in Naga traditional attire were a reflection of the diversity and beauty of Naga society.
However, he cautioned against allowing differences to become a source of division, and urged the people, particularly the younger generation, to showcase their culture with the understanding that Naga society has a shared identity despite its diverse traditions.
Yimkhiung also noted with concern that at times, ‘we’ have taken advantage of a beautiful culture and exploited ‘ourselves’ and emphasised that the beautiful culture of the Nagas must be showcases with a clear intention that Naga truly deserves to be one and that Naga is one.
“May we once again re-ignite ourselves that these beautiful colours and traditions of each and every Naga tribe within and out of Nagaland will bring about a strong message to the world and to ourselves that Naga is one” he said.
‘We will remain as Naga people’
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) President, Mteisuding described the event as an important platform for cultural exchange and unity. He said the younger generation had a responsibility to preserve and promote the heritage handed down by their forefathers.
Stating that culture can only bring back the unity of the Naga people, he urged the youth and students to be the ambassador to promote its culture, heritage and within the campus or whenever one goes and to uphold its legacy.
Meanwhile, Mteisuding also spoke about the Federation’s recent attempt to engage with Naga student organisations in Myanmar. He said the proposed visit was intended to strengthen cultural ties with Nagas living across the international boundary.
“Unfortunately, we all know the policy and the plan of the Government of India,” he asserted and clarified that NSF delegation was not ignorant.
Referring to the restrictions under the Free Movement Regime (FMR), he said Naga communities living along the border were facing difficulties in accessing their fields and maintaining ties with relatives across the boundary.
“Naga people are not only living in Nagaland. We are living across and beyond the borders and that is the uniqueness of the Naga people,” stated Mteisuding and lamented that it had not been given a chance to meet its brothers beyond the borders.
According to him, the challenges faced by Nagas living across borders highlighted the need for greater solidarity within Naga society. He called on the people to look beyond tribal identities and work towards a broader Naga identity.
According to him, Naga society across the borders have been fragmented and in a fragile state and call upon all to be honest, transparent within ‘ourselves’ asserting that Nagas have so many aspirations to achieve together.
“We cannot be isolated calling ourselves as a particular tribe. We are Nagas, the people know us as Nagas, and we will remain as Naga people even in the days to come,” he said, calling on the younger generation to “rekindle” the spirit of unity.
Meanwhile the Cultural Mosaic in the afternoon was graced by Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B Henok Buchem as the guest of honour. Various tribal students’ body presented folk songs, dances and music.
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