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DIMAPUR — While attempting to promote their customs, culture, and traditions, most tribes engage only in feasting and fail to place importance on the dignity of labour, remarked Zhaleo Rio, advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, on Wednesday.
He asserted that simply celebrating festivals without working will not result in development of the state.
The advisor was speaking at the 10th Mimkut Mini Hornbill Festival at the Sports Complex, Phaipijang village. The event was organised by the Kuki Inpi Nagaland and the Phaipijang village council and sponsored by the Tourism department of Nagaland.
Maintaining that every tribe has their own festival related to agriculture, he urged the people to work harder as well as preserve the culture of the forefathers.
He expressed surprise at the participation of the Kukis in the festival, which drew a large crowd, and thanked the organisers as well as the participants for their teamwork.
He said that the state government's intention in organising mini Hornbill festivals or other district-level festivals is to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state.
While mentioning that the state has 16 major tribes and other sub-tribes, he said the Kukis play an important role in the state, including political contributions.
The legislator also acknowledged that they know how to celebrate and enjoy themselves by incorporating singing and dancing into festivals, and that they are always open and willing to take on new challenges.
Speaking on the theme of the festival, ‘Unity through Culture,’ the advisor asserted that he wants to become a leader who unites the people. He also lamented that tribalism among the Nagas has divided the people, and as a result, the Naga political groups have been unable to reach at a political agreement with the Indian government.
He said that ‘ism’ among the tribes should be removed.
L Singsit, president of Kuki Inpi Nagaland, submitted a memorandum to the advisor stating that it is the long-cherished dream of the Kukis of Nagaland to make Athibung town a full-fledged town council.
The event also witnessed cultural items presented by the Phaipijang cultural troupe, the Kuki Union Medziphema cultural troupe and the Sirhima cultural troupe, besides songs presented by Khupminlal Singson, Nemneihat Singson, and Nengsy Vaiphei.