New Putu Menden takes over in Sungratsu village

MOKOKCHUNG — The Putu Menden (assembly of elders) change of guard ceremony, a pivotal tradition in Ao Naga villages, was held in Sungratsu village, Mokokchung district, on October 11.

This event marks the transition of leadership to a new generation, a process that occurs approximately every 30 years.

During the ceremony, the Medemsanger Putu, which had governed the village for more than a decade, handed over its responsibilities to the Mejensanger Putu, who will now oversee the village for the next 30 years.

For context, the term ‘Putu Menden’ translates to ‘seat/government’ (menden) of a generation (putu), with each generation consisting of several peer groups known as Zünga.

In Sungratsu, five Zünga, comprising more than 400 members, were inducted into the Mejensanger Putu. From these members, eight Tatars (council of elders), along with deputies and key positions such as priest from both Mongsen (Tsunger) and Chungli (Onger) were chosen from various founding clans of the village.

As per tradition, separate morning ceremonies for both Mongsen and Chungli were followed by a combined afternoon programme at Senden Salang.

Sentiyanger, Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, a member of the eldest peer group of Mejensanger Putu, attended the combined event.

In his address, Sentiyanger commended the Mejensanger Putu for the initiative to unify the treasury systems of Chungli and Mongsen, emphasising the need to preserve the village’s customs and traditions while adapting to the changing dynamics of the modern world.

Offering counsel, he stressed that councils that operate with principles of justice, equality and fairness would lead the village to peace and prosperity. However, he warned that corruption within the councils could bring about chaos and misgovernance in the village.

He also highlighted the concerning trend of rural-to-urban migration, driven by a lack of financial and economic opportunities in villages.

He pointed out that the village receives approximately INR 70 lakh annually from various government programmes, including funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Finance Commission Fund for local rural bodies, and the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.