SAPO and Maram Khullen reaffirm 'brotherhood accord' after 95 years

Kohima, November 24 (MExN): The Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) Kohima and Maram Khullen Senapati, Manipur today reaffirmed their age-old brotherhood accord at Zhodi ground in Jakhama village, Kohima.

According to a press release, giving the introductory note, Convenor of Brotherhood Accord Committee Medokul Sophie said, “the Angami and the Maram people are meeting after 95 years to reaffirm the age-old relationship.”

SAPO president Keriho Kiso recalled the gesture of the forefathers of the two communities back in 1926 by holding the brotherhood meet at Viswema village under SAPO area. 

They mutually agreed to support each other in the issue of safety and overall wellbeing of their people until the end of heaven and earth, he recalled. “The two communities after several rounds of talks in Kohima and Maram unanimously decided to reaffirm our brotherhood and signed an accord on August 27, 2021 at Maram,” he said.

In order to fortify the brotherhood between the two communities, the SAPO desired to hold the traditional feast and cultural exchange programme, he said.

The celebration is not a mere get-together but an event of social integration beyond the political boundaries of the two communities and upholding traditional cultural values of Tenyimi, he said. Kiso also expressed hope that the brotherhood relationship between them grows stronger.

Chief of Maram, K Namba in his address termed it as a “great day” for SAPO and Maram Khullen people. He thanked the village authorities, GBs and SAPO for hosting the celebration while also aspiring that the spirit of oneness held by the forefathers way back in 1926 would continue. 

The celebration and reaffirmation of brotherhood is not because the two communities were enemies in the past and neither for reconciliation, but the gathering is between brothers, he said.

Calling upon the people of the two communities to be firm and remain truthful to the commitment and continue to remain as brothers, Namba hoped that the bonding and the spirit of brotherhood between them would continue forever.

An elder from Viswema village, Daniel Kikhi highlighted the traditional proclamation while SAPO president and Chief of Maram signed and exchanged the accord and traditional gifts reaffirming to stand committed to the 1926 mutual agreement of the forefathers.

Speeches were also delivered by Angami Public Organization president Razouvotuo Chatsu and Co-convener Brotherhood Accord Committee & former Deputy Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly K Reina.

Traditional songs and special presentations by Maram Khullen, Jakhama youth, Maram Khullen Women Psyi-Haa & Southern Angami Cultural Society and Tsahoro Khuzama marked the occasion. 

The program commenced with ABCC mission director Rev Puthavil Neikha offering the invocation while vote of thanks was tendered by Senior Medical Officer District Hospital Senapati Dr Peter Ngouniba and benediction was pronounced by Catechist of St Peter’s Church Jakha Town Koleto John Richa.