Eastern traditional cultural festival held at Merapani

Eastern traditional cultural festival-2014, organised by 142 Bn CRPF and Doyang-The sunshine (NGO) in collaboration with Kyong Students’ Union (KEE) Wokha, was held March 15 at Merapani playground.
The cultural rally was flagged off by Juli Sonowal DC Golaghat, Assam and Orenthung Lotha ADC Bhandari Nagaland. Cultural items were presented by – Bodo, Rabha, Missing, karbi, Bihu, Tiwa, Jhumar, Mech-Kachari, Thengal, Dewri, Sonowal, Nepali, Lotha & other local tribes.
Kyong Students’ Union (KSU) president  Amos Odyuo while inaugurating the cultural programme called for peace and unity to prevail in the area. He also looked forward to having better relation and understanding in the area by keeping the bond of age old relationship.
Doyang-The Sunshine chief advisor Nogen Bora congratulated the dignitaries, delegates and members present and read out the aims and objectives of the cultural festival – i.e. to maintain peace and unity amongst the ethnic groups of North East India specially between the Assamese and the Nagas.
On the recent violence between Nagas and people of Assam in border areas, he said sometimes personal matters, misunderstanding and even rumours create hatred among the communities. Therefore, he said spirit of cultural co-existence would have to be made the norm of human behavior among the communities, the castes and various groups who have hated with each other.
Sunil Bora president of the event appealed all to come and join in their endeavor to build a strong and joyful journey of peace, unity and cultural integrity.
The evening session was graced by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Tongpang Ozukum. He insisted upon the people of both Assam and Nagaland to come together and to co-exist as peaceful neighbours.
 “We are being targeted; we are being subjugated by the mainland race. Now the time has approached us to come and gather as one people (north east) to defend and fight for our rights,” Tongpang said.
Advisor NESO & AASU Dr. Sammujjal Kr. Bhattacharjee, while inaugurating the programme, said the move in organizing such cultural event was excellent. He said “politically divided but emotionally we are one – we should stand unitedly.”
He told people of the border areas not to let politicians use them as vote bank, but to let their areas be developed with proper road, power supply and good communication.
Earlier, flag hoisting and tree plantation were led by Avinash Sharan commandant 142 CRPF, Babul president Doyang-the Sunshine and Bidur Kr. Boruah principal Doyang College.