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Menfolk presenting cultural dance on the occasion of Tsungkamneo festival celebration of the Yimchungru community in Chumoukedima on January 16.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 17 (EMN): Yimchungru Arih Ako Chumukedima Town has celebrated ‘Tsungkamneo/ Neoto-Neo,’ the most important and popular festival of Yimchungru Naga on January 16 at Chumukedima Town Hall with Toshi Wungtung, Advisor to ENPO, as the chief guest and Tokishe, president of GBs’ Chumukedima Area, as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Toshi Wungtung underlined that Nagas has a rich historical, social-cultural, economic and political heritage which is known to the outside world. He stressed that Tsungkamneo, which is also known as Neoto-Neo or winter festival, has a unique and outstanding feature or practice. He said the unique feature of the festival is Aneo-ji khi or Limtsüa-tsuachih –khi wherein special feasts of merit for invitee is organised during the festival for peace treaties, bonding of relationship, reconciliations between the warring villages, communities and individuals were observed. He has also exhorted the community to maintain peace, unity and honesty for tranquillity among the present generation.
Razouvotuo Chatsu, chairman of Chumukedima Village Council (CVC), has highlighted that the first batch of Yimchungru Nagas settled at Chumukedima were the 1st batch of Nagaland Police. It was also known that the 1st recruits were from the Yimchungru tribe with late KM Caming, who was the first person to be recruited with the serial no 1. Chatsu shared that the natural resources located in the land of Yimchunger are abundant but due to the deplorable road condition and lack of development in the area, Yimchungers have not been able to mature economically.
He also stated that the only Orange Village of Nagaland “Phuvkiu” is located under Pungro sub-division and also high equality apple grown at Thanamir village below Mt. Saramati is an asset to the people of Nagaland and particularly the Yimchungru tribe.
He further urged the Yimchungru community to excel in life and be an example to other communities living in Chumoukedima town.
Tokishe Achumi encouraged the gathering to promote mother tongue among the younger generation in order to preserve identity and heritage through practices of customary and traditional.
The significance of Tsungkamneo was highlighted by K Shojiba where all the aspect and process of the festival were made known to the gathering.
Folk songs and dances were presented by Surale Cultural Club, Yimchungru Beru Cultural Club, Yimchungru Arih-Ako and Yimchungru Baptist Arih-Ako Chumukedima. The programme was host by Z Kiumusu Kips, Warden of PCC, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Throngjangkiu, president of YAC, and the benediction was said by Akila, YBCC mission secretary.