Nagaland Flatfenders Club marks foundation day in Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Flatfenders Club (NFC) celebrated its foundation day on November 8 at CT Square, Chümoukedima.

Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha, speaking at the event, congratulated the club on completing five years and conveyed Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's best wishes and appreciation for their work, a DIPR report stated.

The advisor highlighted the club's role in preserving history and heritage related to World War II vehicles, noting that these vehicles contributed during the war and became vital for mobility post-war.

Metha encouraged the club to organise workshops on restoration, build capacities, connect with international clubs, and use their platform to promote Nagaland globally, empower locals, and share the state's positive stories worldwide.

He emphasised Nagaland's historical significance, particularly its role in World War II, where a small Allied force defeated Japanese soldiers with the support of the local communities, contributing to the triumph of democracy.

This history, often overlooked by Western writers, is now being documented from the Naga perspective, he added. 

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Metha pushed for showcasing Nagaland as a tourism destination, highlighting its history and culture. He wrapped up his speech by emphasising that acknowledging the Nagas' history is crucial for the state's economic and cultural growth, urging Nagaland to own its past to unite and progress.

DIG (Border) Imnalensa, in his speech, congratulated the owners of the vintage cars for restoring their cars to pristine condition, preserving a historical link to the past.

The police officer said that these vehicles embody qualities like reliability, endurance, stability, simplicity, and timelessness which are qualities which one must all aspire to have.

Imnalensa encouraged the NFC to document these vehicle's histories, as it also celebrates the bravery and sacrifices of past leaders. He then addressed the challenge of road safety and discipline in Nagaland, emphasising that as a policeman, his role is not limited to just law enforcement and penalising offenders but also to help prevent tragedies caused by road accidents.

He urged the club to incorporate social messages about road safety into their rallies and programmes, stating that laws internalised by society are more effectively enforced.

Additionally, he congratulated the club for conducting events that have placed Nagaland on the tourist map and wished for their continued growth.

Short speeches were also delivered by Alice K Vizo, Director of Postal Services, Nagaland Division, and chairman of Sovima Village Council Sebastian Zumvu.

Earlier, the programme commenced with an invocation prayer by Imlimenba, Youth Director of Police Baptist Church, Chümoukedima, followed by the welcome address delivered by NFC president T John Longkumer, highlighting the club’s journey and achievements since its establishment in 2020.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Andrew Ahoto, secretary general of the NFC. The event was attended by automobile enthusiasts, dignitaries, and community leaders. Vintage cars, Willys Jeep were showcased alongside stalls displaying World War II memorabilia at the event.