A key cultural event took place in Longkhum village, Mokokchung district on November 22, 2024, as the Mejensanger Putu ceremonially handed over leadership responsibilities to the Mopungsanger Putu. The event, steeped in tradition, marked the beginning of a new 30-year leadership cycle.

This change of guard is specifically for the Mongsen clan of Longkhum village. It is important to note that Longkhum village is comprised of both the Mongsen and Chungli.

The Mopungsanger Putu, comprising members of the Mongsener clan, now assumes leadership of the village. The members were inducted from three Riju: Alang Riju (58 members) and Imchen Riju (67 members) from Yimrong Mepu (Khel) and Tongpang Riju (87 members) from Sangpang Mepu (Khel) totaling 212 members under the two broader Mepus’.

The leadership transition adhered to the traditional Ao Naga ritual process called ‘Kimo’, which emphasizes sanctity and purity. As part of this process, participants observe ‘Anempong’, a week-long period of abstinence requiring couples to maintain ritual purity. This includes preparing their own meals and exercising restraint in speech.

“The ritual is an essential part of maintaining the sanctity of the leadership process,” explained a village elder.

A highlight of the ceremony was the donation and slaughter of pigs, symbolizing the roles and responsibilities of the new leadership. Each of the 212 members contributed a pig, with a total of 212 pigs donated. Also, one pig from each Riju was slaughtered at the Arju (Morung), symbolizing the distribution of roles among the new leaders.

Imchen Riju from Imrong Mepu (Top), Alang Riju from Imrong Mepu (Bottom Left), and Tongpang Riju under Sangpang Mepu (Bottom Right)

The heads of the slaughtered pigs were traditionally given to the respective Yangarmendi (treasurer) of each Riju. These treasurers have the discretion to retain or redistribute the heads, reflecting their unique position within the community.

The Putu Menden: Seat of Generational Leadership

The Putu Menden, meaning “seat of a generation,” is the federal assembly of elders representing the founding clans of the village. It serves as the highest decision-making body in Ao Naga villages. Decisions are reached collectively, ensuring every member within the clan has a say in deliberations.

The leadership transition ceremony, also known as Putu Menden Atsüngtepba, is conducted every 30 years, signifying the end of one generational rule and the beginning of another. The assembly includes elders selected based on lineage, representing the Mepus’ (khels) of the village.

It was said and noted that storytelling is avoided on the day when blood sacrifices, such as the slaughtering of pigs, are made, as it is considered culturally inappropriate. “Since we are using the Blood, and since today is (Kimo), we are not telling any stories. All stories will be purified by the Blood” noted an elder.