Coinciding with golden jubilee celebration, the Lotha Hoho Dimapur on Monday celebrated ‘Tokhu Emong’ the post harvest festival at state stadium, Dimapur.
Addressing a gathering of more than six thousand people which included Lotha and non-Lotha communities at the Dimapur Stadium here Monday, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated the Lotha Hoho Dimapur on attaining 50 years of existence and also extended Tokhu Emong greetings to the Lotha community.
He also made special mention of the pioneers of Lotha Hoho Dimapur led by late Rhanlamo Lotha, late Nyamo Lotha, late Tsümongo S. Kithan, late Sanchisao Patton and succeeding chairmen for bringing and keeping the Lotha family together in the commercial hub of Nagaland.
Reiterating that he described Wokha as ‘land of plenty’ due to the fertile land there, Rio said its inhabitants were hard working, sincere and enterprising to be able to harvest their labor.
He reminded the Lothas that their lands possessed oil deposits, hydro potential and many others. In addition, he said the tribe was one of the most enterprising, good in government service, business and in all disciplines including education.
He said Wokha district was doing well as it has one of the highest literacy rates, besides the highest per capita income. He said Lothas who have migrated to Dimapur have carried with them sincerity and commitment and therefore prospering well in Dimapur too. Asserting that Lothas being more advanced in many ways, should take the lead to bring unity within the family,clan, villagers and other tribes.
Rio said peace was a prerequisite for celebrating any festival or jubilee. He reminded the gathering that all the 60 elected members had passed a resolution, inside and outside the House, for reconciliation and unity of both under grounds and over grounds.
Rio also pointed out that all four legislators from Wokha district, were supporting his government and described them as progressive and cooperative and doing very well in their assignments.
He took the opportunity to thank Lotha community and his colleagues for extending unconditional support.
On the recent award by India Today group to Nagaland, Rio credited the achievement to his colleagues and also to the opposition for being a constructive by giving valuable suggestions and criticisms.
Describing Dimapur as a ‘mini India’ where people of all tribes, races, caste and religion were progressing well, Rio said progress would have been better if anti-social elements did not disturb the peace.
Rio said the rest of Nagaland was affected by the condition of Dimapur and rued that anti-social elements have driven away many non-Nagas who invested outside. He said even Nagas were also investing outside due to the climate of fear adding, it was a big challenge before the people.
Rio lauded the recent campaign against anti-social elements organized by the Naga Council and hoped every citizen would wake up and check the menace of anti-social elements. He said every Naga who was proud of being one, can only be proud if he or she did good to make Dimapur better.
He also expressed the hope that with his government as facilitators and under the platform of FNR pursuing unity and reconciliation, a solution to the Naga political issue could be resolved “during our lifetime.” Rio also released the jubilee souvenir.
Extending greetings on the day, Agriculture minister Dr.Chumben Murry, said celebration of Lotha Hoho Dimapur jubilee and Tokhu Emong was an occasion to rekindle, reexamine ancient culture where some were to be discarded and some valued.
He lamented on the erosion of traditional values of hard work, honesty and hospitality among Nagas which have been replaced with corruption and complacency. On the 50 years of Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Dr Chumben asked what he next 25 years would hold and what legacy would be left for society in the next 50 years.
He said formation of Naga areas in 1961, paved the way for creation of Nagaland as the 16th state under the Indian union and after 50 years of disturbances, today, Nagas were hopeful of a solution that was acceptable to all and that permanent peace would reign in Nagaland.
Y.Patton, parliamentary secretary while extending greetings, called upon the Lothas to pursue unity as a tool for the good of the people and society at large.
Earlier Rio unveiled the Lotha Hoho Dimapur jubilee monolith at the Lotha Hohoki.
Chairman of Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Ntsemo Ngullie , in his speech highlighted the significance of Tokhu Emong. He also said one of the objectives of the festival was also to commbid farewell to the present concluding year and to welcome the New Year.
Convenor of Tokhu Emong and jubilee T.L Merry proposed vote of thanks.
Later, Rio also joined in the cultural dance presented by three different troupes from Dimapur: Tsüngkiki Yamo, N. Longidang Yamo and Phiro Yamo.
Among the dignitaries included: Parliamentary secretaries- Pangnyu Phom, W. Kithan, Azheto Zhimomi MLA Advisor Cooperation & Sericulture, NPCC president and MLA S.I Jamir, Toshipokba MLA, C.L John MLA,Aloh MLA, K.L Chishi MLA, principal secretary and commissioner H.K Khulu, DGP O ALem, Taxes commissioner Dinesh Kumar, SP Dimapur Z. Mero, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur president Hukheli Wotsa, Naga Council president Savi Liegise, and tribal Hoho leaders
Nagas must start a new culture of celebration: Azo
“Every bird that fly and every four legged animal that walk on the earth has become victims of our festival and celebration,” said state health minister Kuzholuzo Nienu (Azo) Monday and stressed the need to start a new culture of celebration with home grown food products.
Addressing the Tokhu Emong celebration as chief guest at Lakhuti village, Wokha, Azo asserted that Nagas have a rich culture and tradition, which he said clearly displayed Nagas were peace loving and caring. Nagas, he said therefore must love and care what nature gave them, adding that they must preserve the nature and save “our mother earth”.
Conveying festival greetings, Azo lauded Lakhuti village for having vast area with “majestic” scenic beauty. “It reminds Lakhuti villagers of how God love the village,” he said.
While admitting that village was located in the remote area and developmentally it remained neglected despite the village having so many leaders and bureaucrats, the minister assured that DAN government would surely leave its footprint in the area.
Azo also announced that DAN government would try to bring a “big project” to the village before elections. While reminding that the essence of Tokhu Emong was a celebration after a year-long hard working and forgiveness, he expressed his hope that spirit of forgiveness and celebration would prevail among the people. The celebration at Lakhuti was hosted by local dy. speaker NLA, Ralanthung Yanthan and his wife.