Preserve unique culture, don’t imitate to attract tourists, Nagaland CM tells Phom community

Dimapur, April 5 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on the occasion of Phom Monyu festival, advocated the promotion and preservation of the community’s rich culture and heritage by documenting it.

He stated that mini Hornbill festivals and tribal festivals could be organised in every district of the state in order to preserve the rich traditions of the people.

Rio was speaking on the occasion of at Phom Monyu at local ground in Longleng on Tuesday.

He also advised the people to preserve the unique culture and attire of the tribe ‘without imitation others to attract tourists’, according to a DIPR update.

Stating that the festival is a celebration time to renew friendship and social bonds with love and forgiveness, Rio urged the people to celebrate with their ‘hard earned labour without dependency’. 

He said the Monyu festival is unique as it shows ‘more love and respect’ towards women.

He also exhorted the gathering to promote and protect the rich biodiversity and beauty of the land while cultivating their fields, saying that development takes place only in a peaceful environment.

Rio also assured ‘blacktopping of Longleng town roads’ and asked the executive engineer (R&B) of Longleng to come up with a detailed estimate for the project.

Meanwhile, host of the event, S Pangnyu Phom, who is the minister for Health and Family Welfare, urged the people to observe the festival with meaning for a bountiful harvest and to be an agent of change and torch bearers.

Solidarity speeches were delivered by President of Ao Senden, Chubawati Longchar, and President of Konyak Union, Howing Konyak.

Welcome address was proposed by chief host and president of Phom People’s Council, M Shami Angh.

Other highlights of the programme included pulling of log drum; special song by Eastern Blind Care Home, Dungkao Longleng; Monyu song by Pongo village; Pang Jhenpu by Yongnyah village; beating of log drum by Pongching village; and culture dance by Hongnyula, Chuchuyimlang village, Phampak village, Momching village, Tamlu village and Sakshi block.