The Nagaland Flatfenders Club celebrated its Foundation Day on November 8 at CT Square, Chümoukedima. The programme commenced with an invocation prayer by Imlimenba, Youth Director, Police Baptist Church, Chümoukedima, which was followed by the welcome address delivered by T John Longkumer, IPS (Retd.), and President of the Nagaland Flatfenders Club, highlighting the club’s journey and achievements since its establishment in 2020.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha, while speaking at the event, congratulated the Flatfenders Club on their five-year milestone and conveyed the Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s best wishes and appreciation for the club’s work.
He highlighted the club’s role in preserving history and heritage, particularly concerning World War II vehicles and said that these vehicles not only contributed during the Second World War but post-war, they became important elements of mobility in different parts of the world.
He encouraged the club members to take up more initiatives such as organising workshops on restoration, capacity building, to connect with international clubs and to use their platform to promote Nagaland globally, to empower Naga people and show the positive stories of Nagaland to the rest of the World.
He emphasized Nagaland’s historical significance, particularly its role in World War II, where a small Allied force defeated Japanese soldiers with the support of the local communities, contributing to the triumph of democracy. This history, often overlooked by Western writers, is now being documented from the Naga perspective, he added. He advocated for popularizing Nagaland through tourism, history, and as a destination. He concluded his speech by stressing the importance of acknowledging the history of the Nagas for the state’s economic and cultural development, urging Nagaland to embrace its past to unite and rise.
Imnalensa, IPS, DIG (Border), Chümoukedima, in his speech, congratulated the owners of the vintage cars for restoring their cars to pristine condition, preserving a historical link to the past. He said that these vehicles embody qualities like reliability, endurance, stability, simplicity, and timelessness which are qualities which one must all aspire to have.
He encouraged the Flat Fenders Club to document these vehicle’s histories, as it also celebrates the bravery and sacrifices of past leaders. He then addressed the challenge of road safety and discipline in Nagaland, emphasizing that as a policeman, his role is not limited to just law enforcement and penalising offenders but also to help prevent tragedies caused by road accidents.
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He urged the Flatfenders Club to incorporate social messages about road safety into their rallies and programs, believing that laws internalized by society are more effectively enforced. He congratulated the club for conducting events that have placed Nagaland on the tourist map and wished for their continued growth.
Short speeches were also delivered by Alice K Vizo, IPOS, Director, Postal Services, Nagaland Division, and Chairman, Sovima Village Council, Sebastian Zumvu.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks given by Dr. Andrew Ahoto, Secretary General of the Nagaland Flatfenders Club. The event was attended by automobile enthusiasts, dignitaries, and community leaders. Vintage cars, Willys Jeep were showcased alongside stalls displaying World War 2 memorabilia at the event.
