Dimapur, Oct 11 (MExN): The Tikhir Students Union has forwarded a representation to the Organizing Committee of the upcoming Ethnic Fashion Show appealing for ‘equal participation’ of the Tikhir tribe in the event, stating that the community is recognized ‘socially culturally, religiously, linguistically and territorially’.
The TSU, in a representation to the Chairman of the Organizing Committee apprised of the Yimchunger Students Union (YAA) forwarding a complaint on the Tikhir community participating in the fashion show. “It is a known fact that the Tikhir tribe is a bona fide tribe like any other tribes of Nagaland. When Nagas as a nation came into existence, Tikhir too was a part of it with her own birthright (ancestral and historical records)” stated the TSU letter issued through P Limtsi, President and S Kiusumong, Literary Secretary. It maintained that in the latter part of the 20th century, when Nagaland was undergoing a political transition, the Tikhir community ‘was left behind’ unaware of that fact that Christianity and modern progressive education had dawned. It dawned upon the Tikhirs ‘very late’ and was then yet to be enlightened politically. “In spite of this, the Tikhirs have preserved her distinct identity, culture and tradition, language, territory etc. The Tikhirs can proclaim she is recognized socially, culturally, religiously, linguistically and territorially” the TSU stated.
Expressing cognizance that the YSU had forwarded a complaint against the participation of the Tikhirs in the Ethnic Fashion Show, the TSU stated that if the YSU has any reservations, the Tikhir Tribal Council and the TSU are ready to clarify and “put sense to their confusion”. “Their stand on the Tikhir tribe under the Yimchunger tribe is a figment of their big illusion. The YAA’s self-created misconception should not in any way hamper the progress of the Tikhir tribe in this ethnic fashion show” the TSU asserted adding that Tikhirs’ participation in the 1st Ethnic Fashion Show, 2003 was a successful one. “This time too by virtue of her birthright she will showcase her distinct culture, tradition and history which are free from any modification/copying from others. With the right support and encouragement, the TSU promise, the Tikhirs will do her best to live up to the expectation thereby, contributing something true to the event’s theme” the TSU assured while expressing hope that the organizing committee of the show would ‘uphold the distinctness and birthright of the Tikhir tribe’.
