Nagaland Leaders Advocate for Tribal Unity and Cultural Preservation

Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently emphasized the significance of safeguarding Naga traditions and customary laws while fostering a spirit of brotherhood across the state's diverse tribal communities. These remarks were delivered during the 25th anniversary celebration of Runa Khrietho-Maong Aksu, an initiative designed to unite the Tuophema and Ungma villages.

During the event, which was also attended by former Chief Minister S.C. Jamir and Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, Rio inaugurated a commemorative monolith and extended his greetings for the Moatsu Festival. Reflecting on the initiative's origins, the Chief Minister noted that he and Jamir launched the partnership in 2001 to strengthen ties between the Ao, Angami, and Tenyimia communities, aiming to inspire peace across the region.

Addressing the current social landscape, S.C. Jamir warned against the rising tide of tribalism, factionalism, and materialism. He encouraged the public to move past these divisions and recapture the harmony of earlier times, when tribal organizations operated under a unified vision. Both leaders expressed satisfaction in seeing the younger generation actively participate in maintaining these essential bonds.

The event concluded with the formal adoption of the Ungma Declaration, a pledge to continue the friendship between the two villages. Furthermore, Ungma village demonstrated its commitment to wider regional unity by donating plots of land to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, and the Tenyimia Union Nagaland.