Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio accompanied by Home Minister Imkong L Imchen getting a warm welcome from Longkhum villagers during Moatsu festival on Monday. (DIPR Photo)
Mokokchung, May 2 (DIPR): The celebration of the premier festival of Ao –Naga tribe “Moatsu” which is also called the Spring Festival was graced by Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor respectively at Longkhum Village today, the 2nd May 2011.
The Chief Minister in his speech said that celebration of festivals gives an opportunity for us to let others know the culture and tradition of the Nagas and also to let people recognize us. He said celebrating Moatsu does not mean that we are doing away with our religious belief but from the time of our forefathers every Naga tribe celebrated their festivals with purity of mind and with a purpose like the celebration of Moatsu Festival where people celebrate amidst pageantry of songs and dances to invoke blessings of the Ultimate reality for a good harvest.
Rio mentioned that DAN Government is always working to restore and to preserve Naga identity through peoples support and as such the aim and objective of holding Road Shows in all the Districts throughout the year is to document the food habits, dresses, songs, dances and rituals of all the tribes so as to promote the culture and tradition of the Nagas.
Talking about sovereignty of the Nagas, the Chief Minister said “it is Gods will but problems arises in Naga society because Nagas do not recognize Nagas”. He lamented that until and unless we respect and recognize ourselves, others will not do the same. Rio also said that everywhere in Nagaland today, people could celebrate festivals because there is peace in our land but he also cautioned that if we cannot protect our Rights we would become servants. Challenging the people he said that Nagas are not against anybody but we have to fight to protect and to promote our identity.
Nagaland Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen while delivering a short speech thanked the people of Longkhum Village for their efforts in organizing Moatsu celebration in a befitting manner. Acknowledging the cultural troupe from the neighbouring districts, Imkong said that such friendly relationship among the tribe shows that Naga society is marching towards a brighter future where unity and peace would prevail.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Road & Bridges, Kaito Aye; Minister for PHED, Ngangshi K. Ao; Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu; Chairman NIDC & NH. Ltd, Nuklutoshi; Advisor NBDA, L. Temjen Jamir and a host of dignitaries.
The Chief Minister in his speech said that celebration of festivals gives an opportunity for us to let others know the culture and tradition of the Nagas and also to let people recognize us. He said celebrating Moatsu does not mean that we are doing away with our religious belief but from the time of our forefathers every Naga tribe celebrated their festivals with purity of mind and with a purpose like the celebration of Moatsu Festival where people celebrate amidst pageantry of songs and dances to invoke blessings of the Ultimate reality for a good harvest.
Rio mentioned that DAN Government is always working to restore and to preserve Naga identity through peoples support and as such the aim and objective of holding Road Shows in all the Districts throughout the year is to document the food habits, dresses, songs, dances and rituals of all the tribes so as to promote the culture and tradition of the Nagas.
Talking about sovereignty of the Nagas, the Chief Minister said “it is Gods will but problems arises in Naga society because Nagas do not recognize Nagas”. He lamented that until and unless we respect and recognize ourselves, others will not do the same. Rio also said that everywhere in Nagaland today, people could celebrate festivals because there is peace in our land but he also cautioned that if we cannot protect our Rights we would become servants. Challenging the people he said that Nagas are not against anybody but we have to fight to protect and to promote our identity.
Nagaland Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen while delivering a short speech thanked the people of Longkhum Village for their efforts in organizing Moatsu celebration in a befitting manner. Acknowledging the cultural troupe from the neighbouring districts, Imkong said that such friendly relationship among the tribe shows that Naga society is marching towards a brighter future where unity and peace would prevail.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Road & Bridges, Kaito Aye; Minister for PHED, Ngangshi K. Ao; Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu; Chairman NIDC & NH. Ltd, Nuklutoshi; Advisor NBDA, L. Temjen Jamir and a host of dignitaries.
