Advisor Mmhonlumo Kikon, Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak and others following the inauguration of the new Etiben Memorial Tower at Mopongchuket on May 2. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 2
The new Etiben Memorial Tower was inaugurated on May 2 by Mmhonlumo Kikon, National spokesperson BJP and Advisor IT & C, Science & Technology, New & Renewable Energy as the special guest, marking its 50th anniversary.
The original tower was built in 1972 within a span of 30 days but due to exposure to sun and rain, the tower had to be totally demolished and rebuilt. The programme was also attended by Phangnon Konyak, MP, Rajya Sabha.
On the occasion, Mmhonlumo Kikon stated that the event was a culturally significant historical event and that Mopungchuket is not just a simple Naga village but a pioneering village which has the basis and the foundation of making Mokokchung the land of pioneers.
He stated that the ancestors from Mopungchuket were great people who played significant roles and contributed towards the growth of Naga society. He urged the people of Mopungchuket to stay loyal to the works of their pioneers and carry the tradition by rethinking the past glory and reclaiming the past.
He commended Mopungchuket village for producing personalities Like Late Sashimeren, Arkotong Longkumer, Amba Jamir and of recent Lenien Jamir who are carrying forward the legacy of their ancestors.
He also mentioned about ‘Etiben and Jina,’ which according to him, resembles a Shakespearean love story and said that “This memorial is for the tale of love. This tale of love existed in Naga society which has become a legendary love story.”
Phangnon Konyak who was also present addressed the gathering by saying that the initiative of sustainable tourism adopted by Mopungchuket village should also be taught to the rest of Nagaland.
She also talked about the importance of culture by saying that culture gives us our identity and without it we lose our identity. She also added that when our culture is strong our identity becomes more rooted.
“In many Naga places our culture is being diluted. We have our religion on one hand and our culture in the other. Along with our religion our roots should also go hand on hand so that we are rooted spiritually and culturally,” she added.
Limalenden Longkumer, Convenor, Mopungchuket Tourism Society, gave a brief note on Etiben Memorial Tower and Tourism in Mopungchuket while Rev Dr Mar Pongen, Executive Secretary, ABAM Impur pronounced the dedicatory prayer. Convenor, Construction Committee, Tarepkaba, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the construction committee.
