The two largest villages of the Sangtams and Changs – Chimonger village and Tuensang Village – on 29 November marked its official foundation of friendship. Through the accord, they solemnly resolved and pledged for mutual coexistence and cooperation and to advocate for their socio-cultural wellbeing. They further pledged to uphold, strengthen, respect and shield one another in any adversities.

The community hoped that the younger generation would be able to sustain the friendship between the two tribes with the same values and culture of their forefathers.

Kinglise an intermediary from Chimonger village, in his speech reminded the two communities that for centuries the forefathers of the two villages have always lived in peace and harmony, but this day would officially signify to both the communities and the world that the two villages stand by one another.

Signing of the historic friendship accord.

The two communities were encouraged to always value and treasure the commitment and accord signed on this day.

M K Yangbou from Tuensang Village in his speech said Chimonger and Tuensang are the largest villages in its own tribe circle and therefore, it is best to learn to live in peace with one another. He also said it was a blessing to witness this day.

A friendship message was delivered by the presidents of both unions. H Noksang, president of Chimonger Suro Dümpi, in his speech gave his deepest respect to the forefathers of both the villages.  He said: “It must be the blessings of our forefathers who loved one another, and here we are today, harvesting the seed of our forefathers”.

He also expressed his hopes that the upcoming generations would cherish this friendship.

Noksang shared that according to him, there are two types of friendship – individual friendship and community friendship – and further said that from now on the two communities would stay committed to the accord between them.

N Kaimang, president of Tuensang Village Citizens Union, said since the inception of Tuensang district, Late Imti Lemba Sangtam (Ex Minister Transport and Communication, Nagaland) on behalf of Chimonger village and the Sangtam tribe in general has always had a cordial relationship with Tuensang village.

Kaimang, therefore, urged the citizens of Chimonger Village Council and Tuensang Village Council to wholeheartedly make this alliance a historic event between the two villages.

Both the Head GaonBuras of Chimonger and Tuensang villages – Yanghose Head GB Chimonger village and L Sangkhum Head GB Tuensang Village ‘C’ Khel – in their short speeches expressed their deep joy to the people and gave their assurances to stand by one another in times of need, taking care of neighbours, both young and old.

They assured each other to uphold one another, to protect and preserve each other’s tribesmen in their own jurisdiction as their own child.

Kaimang Chingmak, general secretary of Tuensang Village Citizens Union, mentioned in his speech that the relationship between Chimonger village and the people of Chang can also be seen in the notes of J H Hutton, who during his second tour to the un-administrative area in 1923, dated 7 November, remarked that the Chimonger village appear to follow Chang customs.  

Though our friendship is officially declared only today, our ancestors shared a good relationship since time immemorial, he added.

Chingmak further reminded the people that the friendship accord signed on that day was the effort of their parents and leaders to secure a better tomorrow.

He said one can choose peace, prosperity and mutual understanding over fighting and suffering.

The historic event was marked by presentations at the entrance gate of Chimonger village where the two heads of both the villages exchanged machetes – signifying the end of any hurdle between the two communities – with a handshake and prayers.

Sangtam men in their cultural attire.

This was followed by hundreds of men warrior groups performing a warrior dance and welcoming the Chang brothers in their traditional attire with spears, shields and machetes, accompanied by women also in their traditional attire performing their folk songs and dances, all marching to the public ground at Chimonger village.

A big feast was prepared for both the communities by the Sangtams of Chimonger village.  A mighty ‘Langthsa feast’, meaning “making way for friendship” in Sangtam, was served at the end of the programme.

As a sign of mutual respect, a slaughtered Mithun was cut into two equal pieces. One half along with the head was presented to the Changs by the Sangtams.

Rev Thsadongse, pastor of Sangtam Baptist Lithro Kohima, shared the word of God during the programme. Y Thsathsase, chairman of Chimonger Village Council, gave the vote of thanks.

Rev T Mongba Pastor Tuensang Village Baptist Lashong pronounced the benediction.

Before the Langthsa feast was served, the two communities in full energy occupied the public ground in hundreds, dancing together hand in hand, in a ‘Unity Dance’.

The friendship accord was signed in good faith and commitment by the elders of both the villages including the Head GBs, Village Council Chairman, Citizens presidents, planning committee and intermediaries.