Yimchungrus celebrate Tsungkamneo at Chumukedima town

Yimchungrus on Tuesday celebrated Tsungkamneo, a peace and harvest festival of Yimchungrus, at Chumukedima town hall organised by Yimchungru Arih Ako Chumukedima (YAAC).
A press release by YAAC informed that speaking as chief guest, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) advisor, Toshi Wungtung, stressed on the rich historical, social-cultural, economic and political heritage of the Nagas.
He said Tsungkamneo, also known as Neoto-Neo or winter festival, has a unique and outstanding feature or practice and that the festival was observed by hosting lavish feasts between the enemies.
Wungtung said just as Tsungkamneo signifies re-affirmation/ re-strengthening and maintaining of friendship between enemies in the past, the same should be maintained for peace, unity and honesty among the present generation.
 Also speaking in the celebration as guest of honour, Chumukedima Area GB Association (CAGBA) president, Tokishe Achumi, stressed on the need to communicate in one’s own mother tongue in order to preserve identity and heritage through practices of customary and traditional habits.
In his short speech, Chumukedima Village Council (CVC) chairman, Razouvotuo Chatsu, highlighted that the first batch of Yimchungrus who settled at Chumukedima were the first batch of Nagaland Police.
He said the first recruits were from the Yimchungru tribe with late K.M Caming as the first person to be recruited with Serial no 1.
Stating that natural resources located in the land of Yimchunger was abundant, he lamented that due to the deplorable road condition and lack of development in the area, Yimchungers have not been able to mature economically.
Chatsu said the only orange village of Nagaland “Phuvkiu” was located under Pungro sub-division and also high quality apple grown at Thanamir village below Mt. Saramati was an asset to the people of Nagaland and particularly Yimchunger tribe.
He urged Yimchungers to excel in life, exhibit concern and love among neighbours and be an example to other communities living at Chumukedima town.
 The significance of Tsungkamneo was highlighted by K. Shojiba the folk songs and dances were presented by Surale Cultural club, Yimchungru Beru Cultural club, Yimchungru Arih-Ako & Yimchungru Baptist Arih-Ako Chumukedima.
The programme was hosted by PCC warden, Z. Kiumusu Kips, vote of thanks by YAAC president, Throngjangkiu and benediction by YBCC mission secretary, Akila.