Organisers of the Rüna Khrietho–Maong Aksü 25th anniversary address a press conference at the Ungma Rural Assembly Hall on April 29. (Morung Photo)
Anniversary to reaffirm peace, unity and cultural ties
Morung Express News
Ungma | April 29
The Ungma Village Council (UVC) on Wednesday announced that the 25th anniversary of Rüna Khrietho – Maong Aksü, marking a quarter-century of friendship between Ungma and Tuophema villages, will be celebrated on May 2 at Yimtsungda Arok Sabang (Amphitheatre).
Addressing a press conference at the Ungma Rural Assembly Hall, Sutsüngkaba Longkumer, Council Chairman of Ungma and Convener of the Planning Committee, extended an open invitation to all Nagas and well-wishers to attend the occasion.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration, Kaamzemshi (to bolster amity), underscores the need to strengthen unity and friendship not only between the two villages but across the broader Naga community.
Tracing the origins of the event, Longkumer said the Maong Aksü dates back to 2001 during the Sekrenyi festival at Tuophema village, when SC Jamir was Chief Minister and Dr Neiphiu Rio, who was then the Home Minister.
Elaborating on its cultural significance, Tiajungba described Maong Aksü as a unique Ao tradition symbolising blessings and friendship, in which a pig is ceremonially shared equally between two parties.
He said the initiative emerged from the need for peaceful co-existence during a period of instability in Nagaland and was conceived not for prestige, but to foster unity among communities.
He further outlined the history of exchanges between the two villages, noting that the first formal interaction began on February 25, 2001. A second major visit took place on May 3, 2012 during the Moatsü festival in Ungma, followed by a joint visit in 2022 involving village elders and student bodies. This year’s programme will mark Tuophema village’s second visit to Ungma, scheduled for May 1 and 2.
Nungsang Jamir informed that CM Rio will attend as Special Guest, while Dr Jamir will be the Honoured Dignitary.
Sharingain Longkumer will serve as Chief Host. Several other dignitaries and leaders are also expected to attend.
Meanwhile, C Rongsen Pongener said a social and cultural exchange programme will be held on May 1 at Naro Tekong Tourist Centre in collaboration with the Soyim Students’ Union and Tuophema Students’ Union.
The programme, themed Synergy in Cultural Heterogeneity, will be the second such initiative between the student bodies, following the first held in Tuophema village.
He said the exchange has strengthened bonds among the younger generation, fostering a sense of shared identity, brotherhood, and collective responsibility towards unity and future development.
The organisers reiterated that the anniversary celebration is intended as a reaffirmation of peace, friendship, and cultural ties between the two villages, while conveying a broader message of unity across Naga society.
