Mmhonlumo Kikon, MLA & Advisor IT&C, Science & Tech and NRE, along with his wife and Tangkhul leaders during the golden jubilee celebration at Tangkhul Baptist Church, Darogajan on April 23. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 23
“The journey has been difficult and on this day, I urge all of you to reflect on the pain and joys of that journey. Reflecting on one’s past, we can identify and learn how and what kind of envisioning we must do together today,” stated Mmhonlumo Kikon, MLA & Advisor IT&C, Science & Technology and NRE speaking as the special guest on the 50th anniversary of Tangkhul Union Dimapur on April 23 held at Tangkhul Baptist church, Darogajan.
Mmhonlumo, further added that “Identity is an inherent part of our lives,” which in the tribal realm is indicated by the names that each Naga carries to associate oneself with their clan, village and tribe. Accordingly, he said that all the Nagas, being a part of one family can never be denied. “No outside force can try to divide us on the basis of the boundaries that exist today,” he commented.
Additionally, he stated that, “It is always difficult for any community to go outside of our place of birth and settle in other place to thrive.”
He nevertheless appreciated that the Tangkhuls today have persevered and overcome those challenges to succeed in various fields across the state and in different parts of the country.
Contemplating on past experiences, he also noted that, “In order to safeguard and preserve the unity of our community we must work harder than the leaders who have gone before us. And that is our vision for the Nagas today.” Which he supplemented this through a quote of Karl Marx, “We are only as strong as our weakest link.”
Remarking on the need for better dialogue and communication between the different Naga tribes, he stressed that, “Unless there is interaction there is always this lurking suspicion and fear. It must be defeated by our resilience and by our friendship. That is the basis of unity and future. Without that, we will have no future.”
TUD president, Ayo Vashum while appealing the gathering to forgive the mistakes and wrongs of one another and work towards peaceful coexistence with all tribal communities, read out the pledge while the gathering follow suit.
The President of the Tangkhul Naga Long, also took a moment to appreciate the various other Naga communities for coming and being a part of the celebration. Dimapur being a cosmopolitan city, he said, was a role model for all other Naga-inhabited areas to follow upon through unity and the spirit of living together.
Earlier speeches were presented by various community leaders such as Shikaho Zhimomi, President of Western Sumi Hoho who said that, “This jubilee is to re-introspect the journey of 50 years. The leaders of the past have sacrificed and come across difficulties and hard times. As esteemed members of today’s occasion we must look back where we were yesterday.”
He also opined that, “Although we might be divided between administrative boundaries yet, I feel that the Tangkhul community is no less than the indigenous community of the state of Nagaland. Due to your participation, you have brought this society to a greater height.”
Meanwhile, Vekhosayi Nyekha, President of Tenyimi Union Dimapur pointed to the need to be united on all fronts and to build a better society in this regard.
Mosa Konyak, on behalf of the Konyak Union Dimapur appreciated the solidarity and support that the Tangkhuls showed, going as far as postponing their jubilee celebration during the Oting tragedy. “Let us unite so that we can achieve our dreams and move forward.”
The Yimkhiung cultural troupe also made an appearance during the programme as they performed their traditional dance to mark the momentous event.
The Tangkhul Union Dimapur (TUD) it was formed in 1971. The TUD, however, said it is believed that a few Tangkhul individuals were already living in Dimapur as early as in 1950 and had participated in Naga Plebiscite of 1951 by putting their thumb impressions.
