Newmai News Network Senapati | February 15 Nagas in Manipur celebrated Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival, in the district headquarters of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Senapati under the common theme, "“Towards a Culture of Peace”. However, compared to the past years, this year's Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated in a small way due to the prevailing situation. Usually, the United Naga Council (UNC) organises the Naga seed sowing festival at a state level. Since the UNC is pre-occupied with the district creation issue this year's Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated by the respective tribe bodies in the district headquarters In Senapati district, the seed sowing festival was celebrated at Katomei Village community hall. Organized by Naga People’s Organization (NPO), the district level Lui-Ngai-Ni was graced by Autonomous District Council (ADC) Chairman ML Markson as chief guest and ADC Vice-Chairman T.John Hingba, as guest of honor in the presence of ADC members, Naga frontal bodies, local bodies, village leaders, church leaders and dignitaries. The Chief of Naga Taphou Village Tailu gave blessing of new seeds. John Hingba said that peace is vital in human life. While highlighting the prevailing situation in Manipur and Nagaland, the guest of honor said that as Lui-Ngai-Ni is celebrated, "let the seeds of peace and change be sown to promote and prevails in our society in days to come". He noted that, such celebration brings a message of sowing positive and human values of love and peace rather than just mere merry making or observations. Lui-Ngai-Ni is one of a well preserved and practice culture of Nagas in Manipur till today, said Chairman ML Markson. "As a peace loving people, we, the Nagas should wake up and support the idea of ‘Unity and togetherness among the people. In doing so, progress and development will be the fruits of our struggle. Coming down heavily on the Manipur Government while accusing it "for the creation of the prevailing situation in Manipur", Markson expressed disapproval upon the creation of 7 districts by Government of Manipur "sans the concern and knowledge" of the Naga people. " Varied items and performances from different tribes like blowing of traditional horns from Poumai Naga tribe, making of traditional fire by Mao Naga tribe, traditional action song and folk song from Maram, Zeliangrong and Thangal tribes added more colors to the programme Various bodies from UNC, ANSAM, NWU, NPO, SDSA, NPMHR and Presidents of all the tribes, student leaders of Senapati District and Town Committees, Senapati, village authorities and leaders from different neighboring villages attended the programme where Kh. Tailu, Chief of Taphou Naga carried out the traditional blessing of Seeds. In Chandel district, the Lui-Ngai-Ni was organised at at Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School's Ground, Japhou. DIG of 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brig. AS Chauhan, Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) President Ws. Kanral Anal, CNPO, Ex-President Ng. Gilbert, and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (South) Convenor Gina Shangkham graced the occasion as the chief guest, functional president and guests of honour respectively. The festival witnessed a large number of people attired in traditional dresses. Chief guest of the festival, Brig. AS Chauhan unfurled the Lui-Ngai-Ni flag which was followed by blowing of traditional horns. Beside invoking the Almighty's blessing for bountiful harvest, showcasing of cultural dances, folk songs from different tribes of the Nagas and presenting gifts to tribe leaders were the main highlights of the celebration. Speaking at the celebration, Brig. AS Chauhan told that the festival reflected the rich cultural heritage, traditions and unique identity of the Naga people. It also embodies the spirit of oneness and brotherhood, he added. While wishing for a good harvest in the coming year, the Assam Rifles Brigedier also wished that the festival "may rekindle the glorious traditions, values and cultures for prosperity of the society". Speaking as the functional president, CNPO President WS Kanral Anal said that Lui Ngai also urged the people to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage which were "handed down by our forefathers". The Zeliangrong Baudi organised the occasion in Tamenglong district at its office. A sizeable number of people participated the occasion. In Ukhrul, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) organised the occasion.
