The two-day Mungmung Festival cum Mini Hornbill was inaugurated today at the Public Ground, Kiphire. the event is being orgnaised by United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) in collaboration with Nagaland Tourism, Government of Nagaland.

Speaking at premier festival of the Sangtam community as the Chief Guest, A. Chingmak Chang, President, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), remarked “Loss of culture is loss of Identity” and reminded the young and old to never forget their roots. “No matter how high or far we go in life one should, always turn back and learn ones’ own culture and roots, he said.

Chang encouraged the people of Kiphire to celebrate this Mungmung with a heart of love, peace, unity and reconciliation towards one another. Mentioning that Sangtams are the pioneers of education among Eastern Nagas, he said that the community should continue to lead and serve its people with true dedication.

A Chingmak Chang, President, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) speaking at Mungmung festival programme at Kiphire on 3rd September 2024

Speaking on ENPO’s demand, Chang affirmed, “I will never betray my people” and said that the leaders have sworn to serve the people of ENPO to the end of line.

Mentioning that the Chief Minister of Nagaland have spoken about “open door policy” to resolve ENPO matter during the 15th August celebration, he stated that the Organisation is  optimistic about the solution which will come through fruitful negotiations and understanding between the State Government, ENPO and ENLU (Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union) after which the remarks of its end result will be laid down to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the tripartite talks between the Government of India, the ENPO and the State Government will follow.

The ENPO President also said that since the demand of statehood for ENPO which started in the year 2010 “is still very much alive” but to reach the end goal, Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) can be a “temporary solution”. Urging the people to always remember the ENPO leaders in their prayers, Chang promised to stand together in unity to achieve the common goal.

“Our talk is in the advance stage, though we cannot give any timeframe,” he stated. Therefore, let us have hope for the time to come when all the eight tribes of ENPO will celebrate a common festival, he added.

Chinese Chakhesang, NPS, Superintendent of Police, Kiphire, in a short speech, said that the Naga culture and history are orally passed through generation through the way we sing, wear, eat, dance and our way of life. He stressed that festivals should not just be about merry making but of serious learning and identifying the meaning of our practices. It is a celebration of our roots and rich culture, a celebration of “who we are”, he added.

Chakhesang also stated that s festival in itself is a celebration of the past, it should act as a bridge between the generations of the past and today, and therefore urged the elders of today’s generation should pass on the rich cultural and history knowledge to the younger generation.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by K. Aliba Sangtam, USLP president, the significance of Mungmung by Seili, Head GB, Amahator Village, short speech was also given by Throngseli, Hd. GB Kiphire town, invocation by Dr H. Apise Sangtam, Secretary, USBLA, sub-Center, Kiphire.

Solidarity speeches were received from Tokishe, President, Eastern Sumi Hoho, N.Y Choba Chang, President, Chang Khulie Setshang, and Chongba Jurry, President, Pochury Hoho. A special song was presented by Tsarola Y Sangtam.

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“Nyiichinung”, the men’s troop dances were displayed by Kiphire village Khudi Nyiichirü Mülung and Thangthure Village Nyiichirü Mülung while “HaHo!” was presented by women groups from Longmatra Area Mother’s Union, Kiphire Town and Amahator Village Mother’s Union Kiphire town. “Titse Nyeh Khitong” or millet harvest song was performed by Hurung Village Union Kiphire Town and “Mach Khitong” or rice cultivation song (Jhume) was presented by Natsami Village Union Kiphire Town.

The first day program of the Mungmung Festival cum Mini Hornbill was hosted by Tsalichum S Sangtam and Athrongla R Sangtam.