Kohima: Clad in traditional attire, thousands of Angami Nagas on Friday gathered at Khuochiezie (Local ground) in Kohima to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Angami Public Organization (APO), the tribe’s apex body, marking the day as a celebration of unity.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, a senior legislator from the tribe, lauded the tribal body for the milestone achievement, hoping that the celebration will make people from the community to forgive one other and to further unite the tribe.
Highlighting how the Angami Nagas have been leading the Nagas, he said that the tribe has made tremendous contribution for the Nagas.
The faithful and honest contributions of the ancestors in the Naga society, he said, has also enabled people at present to also lead from the front.
We have deep respect for the social practices and the traditions that has helped us to be truthful, he said. The CM also urged the present and future generations to consolidate the good nature and practices of the people. He also appealed to the leaders to rededicate themselves for the welfare of the people.
Further, Rio also appealed to the community to uphold the good behaviours, practices and work for the welfare of the people.
Convenor of the Organizing Committee, Neibou Sekhose, informed that the celebration is held under one flag and one theme, with the hope to forgive one another. He informed that to commemorate the 50 years of existence, a unity building is to be constructed with contribution from each Angami household.
APO President, Razouvotuo Chatsu, said that the organization that was formed in 1972, comprises four ranges and 104 villages. He encouraged the younger generation to love and co-operate with each other and to carry forward the sense of honoring the community.
First APO president Zapuvisie Lhousa, who addressed the gathering, said that it is also the responsibility of the people to understand the plight of the other tribes.
He added that there is a need for the Angami tribe to stand in truth and work for achieving the Naga solution.
He urged the people to uphold the principle of love and understanding and continue to prosper. Later he blessed the people and wished them success.
During the celebration, chairmen from all 104 Angami villages, presidents of the four Angami ranges, were present and the jubilee flag was hoisted by the CM, while the APO flag was hoisted by the APO president.
The Golden Jubilee celebration saw a gathering of around 20,000 Angami Nagas. The gathering shared food cooked from a common hearth.