Nagaland a sleeping giant in tourism sector, says minister Imna Along

KOHIMA — Nagaland is like a sleeping giant in Tourism sector unlike other northeastern states that are prospering in the field, said Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along on Monday.

Addressing the inaugural programme of the two-day Tsükhenyie festival at Pfutseromi village, Along said Nagas are yet to understand the potential of tourism as an industry that can help improve the livelihood of the people in the rural as well as urban areas of the state.

He called upon the Nagas to wake up from slumber and start developing tribal tourism, rural tourism and eco tourism for overall benefit.

The Tourism department will make all efforts for tourism promotion activities in the district, he assured.

Lauding the Chakhesang community for sincerely engaging in preserving their culture and tradition, he said the people of the region are also known to be one of the most colourful and hardworking among the Nagas.

In many parts of Nagaland, there is no biodiversity preservation, the minister said while appreciating the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), under whose guidance the Chakhesangs had stopped deforestation to protect the flora and fauna, and to preserve natural habitat.

He further called upon all the tribes to engage in conservation and preservation of biodiversity while assuring all possible support from the government.

The minister also requested the tourists attending the festival to be the ambassadors of Nagaland by carrying the aspirations of the Nagas while enjoying the rich tradition and culture.

Leader of NPF Legislature Party and MLA, Kuzholuzo Nienu, stressed on the need for more research in the customary tradition and practices to help build Naga society. On this, he said the Chakhesangs are the only Naga tribe to have brought out written documents on the customary law and practices.  

Retired Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Wepretso Mero, while speaking on the significance of Tsükhenyie, said the festival is celebrated to mark the year’s successful harvest and to prepare for the upcoming sowing season.

Deputy Commissioner of Phek, Kumar Ramanikant, greeted the gathering while Tshiipelo Medo blew the traditional trumpet signifying the onset of the festival and the senior-most citizen of Pfutseromi (106-year-old) and Ngulo Lomi showered traditional blessings. The Chakhesang Cultural Organisation enthralled the gathering with folk tune during the cultural session, which also saw performances from villages including Lozaphuhu, Zhavame, Middle Khomi, Zapami, Leshemi and Pfutseromi as well as Kuzha Cultural Society.

Read: Nagaland minister Imna Along calls for clean initiative at Kisama and Kohima

Earlier in the programme, CPO President Vezühu Keyho hoisted the Pfutseromi Youth Organisation flag and released the Tsükhenyie balloons, while advisor of CAWD and Taxes Kudecho Khamo, who was the guest of honour for the occasion, inaugurated the stalls set up by different government departments, villages and tribal organisations from Nagaland and Manipur.

Organised by the CPO in collaboration with the department of Tourism, Pfutsero A/C MLA Dr. Neisatuo Mero is the chief host of the 2-day festival.

Southern Angami-I A/C MLA Kevipodi Sophie and many government officials and public leaders attended the inaugural programme.

त्यौहार मानव जीवन में आनंद और खुशहाली लाने के लिये ही बने हैं।

Attended the Tsükhenyie festival at Pfutseromi Village with Hon MLAs, Shri. @k_azonienu, Dr. Neisatuo Mero; and Hon Advisor Shri. Kudecho Khamo, organised by Chakhesang Public Org in collab with the @tourismdeptgon. pic.twitter.com/KiCHJrqKK3

— Temjen Imna Along (@AlongImna) April 24, 2023