Advisor Tourism Khehovi Yepthomi asserted that the government will meet the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) with regard to their 14 October resolution to abstain from participation in the Hornbill Festival.
He informed this while speaking to reporters on the sideline of a coordination meeting held with the Tribal Hohos/organisations at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Tourism, Kohima today. The meeting was held to deliberate on the upcoming 23rd Edition of Hornbill Festival.
On being asked whether the festival would take place without the participation of the seven tribes of Eastern Nagaland, Yepthomi said he was not in a position to comment on the matter at the moment and added that the state government would have to take a decision.
He exuded hope that the ENPO leaders would understand since the Mini Hornbill Festival had already been introduced by the state government in 2018 and is being celebrated in every tribal headquarters.
ENPO in their 14 October CEC meeting had resolved to abstain from participating in the Hornbill Festival from this year onwards. However, the organisation said it would request the state government through the Eastern Legislators to promote the Mini Hornbill Festival of the respective tribes.
Read more: ENPO to demand resignation of 20 EN MLAs; Org to abstain from participating in Hornbill Festival
Meanwhile, the Advisor said the 23rd Edition of Hornbill Festival would be celebrated in a befitting manner and informed that leaders from both the national and international level would be attending the festival.
The tribal Hohos have been directed to start maintenance of their respective Morungs and make necessary preparations. The department has earmarked Rs 1.50 lakh for all the Hohos.
The coordination meeting between the tourism directorate and the tribal Hohos deliberated on the upcoming 23rd Edition of Hornbill Festival.
Yepthomi also stated that the Hornbill Festival could not be celebrated in 2020 due to the pandemic and in 2021 following the unfortunate incident in Oting.
During the meeting, the tribal Hohos shared similar views and concerns. They also apprised the department of their grievances.
The seven tribal Hohos of the Eastern Nagaland abstained from attending the coordination meeting.
