The Lotha Hoho commemorated its Centennial Jubilee on Monday under the theme “Echungren Mmha Khichoa Hohoa” (Chanting for Deliverance of Century’s Blessing) at the Public Ground, Wokha. Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton was the Chief Host of the celebration. MLA and Agriculture Department Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, MLA Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA Achumbemo Kikon and Advisor to Chief Minister Dr Chumben Murry also graced the event.

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton extended his jubilee greetings and reminded that the Lothas have always been in the forefront of issues regarding the Naga people and hence the other tribes of Nagaland also keep reservation for the Lothas during decision making.

He therefore urged for unity among all sections of the society- among villages, organisations and individuals. Patton stated that a person can only be termed as rich when he helps people and also maintained that groups and organisations can only work together with the support of the general public and hence urged all to help and render services when required.

Patton opined that each village should have only one organisation stating that clan distinctions are only for marriage and not to create divisions.

Further, the Deputy CM urged the respective Gaon Buras lead the villages in preserving and conserving birds and animals for the future.

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Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, in his speech, stated that Lotha Hoho’s Centennial Jubilee was possible with the hard work of the elders and honoured the handwork, love, dedication and unity within the Lothas in the past 100 years. He stated that Lotha Tribal Council is like a light leading the way of the Lothas and urged everyone to support and cooperate with the Hoho by making tribal bodies a priority. Yanthan also mentioned that LTC was created not only for the benefit of the Lothas as it also became an example to the other tribes of Nagaland and inspired them to form their tribal hohos. He lastly urged the Lothas to love one another, accept constructive criticism and stay united.

MLA Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, in his speech, praised God for the bountiful blessing of 100 years of Lotha Hoho and prayed to make this momentous occasion “a jubilee of love, blessings and unity” and “a jubilee of forgiveness”. He also stated that Lothas are falling back in many ways and urged the Lothas to rectify the flaws for a better tomorrow.

MLA Achumbemo Kikon thanked all the organisations from different parts of Nagaland for coming to Wokha to celebrate with the Lothas. In his speech, he emphasised on the history of Lothas by shedding light on the important events of the Lotha history and also highlighted on the formation of the Lotha Hoho, formerly known as the Lotha Tribal Council, in 1923. Kikon underscored the role of Wokha District towards the Naga Community, calling on the community to look forward with the vision and lead Naga society.

Advisor to Chief Minister Dr Chumben Murry, in his address, thanked the elders who felt the need to form LTC as it is one of the first organisations among the Nagas. The British saw something in the Lothas and felt the need to conserve the community and hence encouraged the LTC, he said.

He stated that two major changes the British left in Nagaland were “100 per cent” Christianity and modern governance but lamented that Nagas’ progress has been very slow especially in economic and social sectors. Dr Murry pressed that it is the need of the hour to worry and strive for progress, further pointing out that slow paced development could be due to lack of unity. He also highlighted that different tribes and culture sometimes hinder development and advocated change in the mindset and attitude. Dr Murry also called for like-minded Nagas to come together for progress.

The Lotha Hoho Centennial Jubilee program was chaired by Orenvungo Humtsoe and invocation was proposed by Rev. Fr. Ntonsi, Principal, St. Peter School Longsa. Er. Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman, Lotha Hoho delivered the welcome address. A special number was presented by Wokha Town Baptist Church Choir and Rev Sankiluma Kikon, President, Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) dedicated the mass benediction along with “Seeking for Jubilee Blessing” prayer.