It will be a blunder to forget one’s traditions, cultural practices, says Nagaland Chief Minister

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 25 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Friday that forgetting one’s traditions and cultural practices will be a big blunder.

He was speaking at the Sekrenyi cum mini-Hornbill Festival organised by Angami Public Organisation (APO) at the Naga Heritage in Kisama, on Friday. “Sekrenyi”, or “Phousanyi” is a major festival of the Angami Nagas, celebrated to cleanse past wrong doings and strengthen unity.

Rio urged the Angamis to work for the greater interest of the community as well as the Nagas. He reminded the people to continue maintaining good relationship and friendship with the people of other tribes.

He went on to say that the state government is supporting the major festivals of different tribes of Nagaland to preserve the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas. Grand-in-aid is provided to the tribal hohos to celebrate their common festivals to help promote indigenous food, songs and dances, he continued.

The CM lauded the APO for taking the initiative to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the community and instilling a sense of harmony, oneness, brotherhood, unity and understanding among the people.

He also mentioned issues related to Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the need to create new districts that were announced recently, and the need to uphold the customary practices of village council.

President of APO, Razouvotuo Chatsu said that they organised Sekrenyi despite limited invitations owing to Covid-19 pandemic to carry the legacy of the festival. He also said that APO anticipates more participants during its golden jubilee to be celebrated at Khuochiezie local ground, Kohima in April this year.

Angami legislators, government officials, and representatives from four units — Northern, Southern, Western and Chakhro — attended the event.