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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 3 (EMN): Minister of Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom on Saturday urged the people to build a robust relationship among each tribe and move forward together as a society.
‘Though people are divided by demarcations, they are united in habits, thoughts, and daily practices,’ he said during the Mongmong festival celebrations at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.
Mongmong festival also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Sangtam Union Kohima (SUK).
Phom, who attended the occasion as special guest, urged the people to carry forward the good legacy beyond borders without ‘ism’, in letter and spirit.
‘Nagas are blessed beyond measure. This is all because of God's wisdom to our forefathers to have a unique, specific time, devoting and seeking His blessing even in those early days. We are being guided and bestowed with plenty of harvests in everything because of the prayers, and thanksgiving to Almighty God,’ he said.
While acknowledging the pioneers and visionaries, he said the elders, settlers, and leaders of the Sangtam community in Kohima have been instrumental in many reformations at the grassroots, ‘which is a living testimony and true fact to many’.
‘Because of the unity amongst the people, sharing each other’s burdens and joys in every sphere has made all witness the significant day. The seeds sown by the pioneers are not wasted,’ he added.
The Sangtams are torchbearers amongst the eastern Nagas, he said while calling for cooperation for the welfare of the eastern Nagas in particular and the state in general.
He also called upon the Sangtams residing in Kohima and Dimapur to resolve the ‘backward’ issue and do away with the tag. While asking is they would want to continue living with the tag in the future, he called for resolving it by sheer hard work, dedication, and sincerity.
‘Any kind of change in the community should start from the youngsters here in Kohima,’ Phom said. He also advised them to set good examples back home and try to bring reformation.
Divide and rule policy
President of Eastern Naga People's Union Kohima, N Toshi Chang, said the day marked a historic milestone and the action of the past leaders had brought it to fruition.
‘With the advent of time, the biggest hurdle faced today is division among us. The divide and rule policy of British has taken deep root in the society. It is upon us to do away with it and pave the way for the future,’ he said and called upon the people to grow together in unity.
Minister of Soil and Water Conservation, and Geology and Mining, V Kashiho Sangtam, also spoke during the occasion. Organised by the SUK, the programme was attended several legislators from eastern Nagaland and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the day included cultural dance, song presentations by women groups and SNF (Search and Found) band.
The special guest of the festival, Pangnyu Phom, also released the SUK 50th anniversary souvenir during the occasion.