Correspondent
SENAPATI, NOVEMBER 1
THE Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) covering three states of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam today resolved to cohesively work for better understanding and unity amongst the Nagas living in different parts of the world.
This is one of the resolutions adopted during the day-long 20th general conference of TPO held under the theme ‘Roots’ at Senapati Town Council hall and hosted by Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO) Manipur.The TPO also expressed confidence in the struggle for the common aspiration of the Nagas to become a people and a nation, and it shall continue to support the search for an early settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue that will be workable because it will be honourable and acceptable to both sides.
It also resolved to preserve and maintain the traditional culture and costumes of the Tenyimi and to encourage the enrichment of Tenyidie and Tenyimi dialects.
“The TPO shall continue to respect and honour its ancestral history of our forefathers beginning with the first and final dispersal place of the Tenyimi brothers at the legendry wild pear tree at Makhel,” the House resolved.
It was also decided that the TPO shall continue to do the thorough research work that is already on into the origins of Tenyimi oral history handed down from by the ancestors.
Therefore, it decided that no new unit shall be inducted into the organization till the research work is completed and is recommended by the established TPO Research Committee, unanimous consent is given by the units of the TPO and the same approved by the governing body and the general meeting of the TPO.
Further, the TPO resolved to continue to support and cooperate with the Naga Hoho, the apex body of the Naga people as a whole.
Earlier, gracing the inaugural session as the chief guest, President of Ura Academy and former Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said “the root of a people means the ancestry, the originality of a people”.
He said Tenyimia is a natural family institution, and therefore “it will be in our interest to examine the identities of Tenyimia people to confirm and record our findings properly”.
He also congratulated TPO for constituting Research Committee while also stating that “the life style of the people is changing very fast everywhere and future generation will have no chance to see the identities of our people that we have seen during our time”.
He said the constituent units of TPO are not different tribes but different branches of the same family tree.
Dr. Shürhozelie also encouraged TPO and said it is a body to work for the welfare of Tenyimia family, to strengthen the family ties among the different constituent units and to protect the common interest of Tenyimia people.
He said of late, some people have become critical of Tenyimia family while also interpret and think in such a way that Tenyimia is a union of many different tribes. But, he reiterated that Tenyimia is a natural family institution and it is not a union.
“We are Tenyimia by blood and not by choice. We must be very clear about our roots,” he added.
Former Minister of Manipur Prof. Ganmumei Kamei also exhorted the gathering as the guest of honour.
Both the guests also unveiled the conference monolith at NPO Office compound, Senapati Town.
TPO president Keku Zeliang, in his address, said the TPO comprises ten fraternal units – Angami, Zeliang, Chakhesang, Rengma, Pochury, Mao, Poumai, Maram, Thangal and Inpui, spread over Nagaland, Manipur and Assam states.
He said as an organization TPO is committed to work together for unity and harmony of the people and to take the Tenyimia people forward in every aspect, so also it an organization of the 10 units having a genealogical lineage and affinity without political agenda, reorganized after a gap of many generations.
He also highlighted some of the important issues/activities taken up by the present TPO governing body, which include Tenyimi Day, Research Committee, Tenyidie language, protection of Intangki National Park and also looking into the welfare of Tenyimi people in NC Hills and Karbi Anglong.
Chaired by R K Graceson, the inaugural session commenced with introductory note from NPO general secretary T. Moses Kamba while NPO president ML Markson delivered the welcome address. Tenyimi Women Organisation general secretary Vilanuo Yhome shared greetings and TPO vice president Zalhüzü Vasa tendered the vote of thanks. Special numbers were presented by Senapati District Women Association, Moms in Touch and J. Jasmine & Co.
NLA Deputy Speaker Levi Rengma, Parliamentary Secretaries Deo Nukhu and Kropol Vitsu and MLA Khriehu Liezietsu accompanied the chief guest.
Meanwhile, senior advocate Timikha Koza and Ketsorel Angami has been elected as the new president and general secretary of TPO.
