The villages of Ungma and Tuophema will celebrate 25 years of their historic friendship “Rüna Khrietho-Maong Aksü” with a celebration at Ungma on May 2.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The villages of Ungma and Tuophema are set to commemorate the silver jubilee of their historic friendship, known as “Rüna Khrietho-Maong Aksü” (2001-2026), with a celebration scheduled at Ungma on May 2.
The unique tradition, which began in 2001 to honour the close bond between the two villages, was initiated during the tenure of Dr. SC Jamir as Chief Minister of Nagaland and Neiphiu Rio as Home Minister.
The announcement was made during a press conference by the Ungma Village Council at the Ungma Rural Assembly Hall on Wednesday.
It was attended by Sutsungkaba Longkumer, Chairman of the Ungma Village Council and Convenor of the Planning Committee; Nungsang Jamir, Tatar, Secretary of the Village Council, and Secretary of the Planning Committee; Tiajungba Tatar, Convenor of the Souvenir Committee; and C Rongsen Pongener, Assistant Director of Art and Culture and Convenor of the Programme Committee.
Sutsungkaba Longkumer extended an invitation to all Nagas and well-wishers to attend the historic occasion on May 2. He stated that the theme for this year’s celebration is “Kaamzemshi”, which translates to “To bolster amity”, aimed at strengthening bonds of unity and friendship, not only between Ungma and Tuophema but more broadly among the entire Naga family.
Nungsang Jamir traced the history of the friendship, noting that it was forged in 2001 between the two leaders with the objective of promoting peace and unity between the villages.
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He outlined the programme schedule and informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will attend as the special guest, Dr. SC Jamir as the honoured dignitary, and Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, as the chief host.
The main event will be held at Yimtsungda Arok Sabang from 10 am onwards on May 2.
Tiajungba Tatar explained that while there are several forms of “Aksü” in Ao tradition, “Maong Aksü” is unique and is practised between two distinguished personalities, accompanied by members of their respective villages.
He elaborated that “Maong” signifies blessing, while “Aksü” refers to the sharing of a pig, which is divided equally between the two parties. The core objective of this tradition is not personal benefit but the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
The programme will also feature a cultural exchange between the two villages and the traditional “Rüna Khrietho-Maong Aksü” feast.
According to the Ungma Village Council, this marks the fourth observance of the tradition. It began at Tuophema in 2001, followed by Ungma in 2012, and Tuophema again in 2022, which also hosted the first friendship meet between the Tuophema Village Students’ Union and the Soyim Students’ Union.
In 2026, the event returns to Ungma, coinciding with the second friendship meet between the two students’ unions. The cultural exchange programme between the unions will be held on May 1 under the theme “Synergy in cultural heterogeneity” at the Naro Tekong Tourist Centre in Ungma.