The 72nd Phom Day (Peace Day) and 4th Triennial Peace Summit was observed on June 6, at the public ground Longleng, with Dr. Wati Aier, Convenor Forum for Naga Reconciliation as the Special Guest, informed a DIPR report.
Aier is the Former Principal, Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), an Asia Pacific Ambassador and Recipient of Baptist World Alliance Peace Award. The special guest in his message said that the testament of a living history is filled with imaginative determination. “72 years ago, your grandparents prayed and dreamed of a world that would carry our culture forward. Now, it has come true. And in order to progress and move forward, the people now have access to the most magnificent ecosystem imaginable; this is a community that is incredibly dynamic and vital,” said Aier.
The speaker also delved on the impact of colonization on Nagas stating that colonisation has limited the Naga people with numerous forms of colonisation still present in society. “The 72nd year has made a significant change in the history of the Phom People. Do not allow God to be absent from it. Please pray that God will bless the Phom, the eastern Naga, and all the Naga people for his glory, Kuknalim,” said Aier.
The Special guest unfurled the Phom day flag which was followed by the presentation of Phom Day Anthem by Leinak Baptist Church. Speaking on the role of government towards progressive peace keeping, EAC Longleng Imkongnukla, acknowledged the pioneers who have decided to forge peace and loyalty to the government. “Government in state level make decisions which is important for providing social justice, human rights and to understand the problem rather than delaying with the syndrome. Government also provide education, awareness on peace building and foster a culture of peace and economy development. The motive of the government is to provide economic development such as infrastructure of roads electricity etc. Living in the age of democracy, the government stands for the voice of the people and gives peace to the people. Government alone cannot do so we need the support from civil society and organization,” said the Administrator. She encouraged the gathering to work together for prosperity and to live a life that glorify God.
The significance of Phom ’ay, ‘My legacy for future generation’ was addressed by Ex-Minister Matpong Phom. The Phom Day ‘Way forward vision for present generation’ was shared by by PSC, Phom Lungvang Pangthai. ‘Towards the Platinum; Peace beneficiaries the Obligations’ was addressed by Nuklu Phom, Phom Day commission.
Meanwhile, President Phom People Council Y.B. Angam, delivered the welcome and introductory message. President Chang, Khulei Satshang, also delivered a solitary message.
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The All Phom Gazette Officer (APGO) presented the N.I. Jamir. Academic excellence award to Chujei Phom for securing Top 8th in HSSLC (Arts) and N.Lenmei Angh, Gold medalist M.sc Geology and Chingmei Konyak, EAC, in recognition and sincere appreciation for the services towards the community, and Champong Phom, torcher barrier in the field of Sports.
Special numbers were presented by Brotherhood from Tamlu Town, Culture troops from Bura Namsang, and Phomla Hoichem women folks from 59 villages. Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by Chingthai Pastor, Police Baptist Church Longleng, and the program comperes were Lipom Phom N. & Tongpang.
A Day long peace promoting games was held which included Marathon race, Tug of war, women’s volleyball and men’s football while the Phom Students Confrence conducted a painting and essay writing competition.
Phom Day marks the end of headhunting era in the Phom area and beginning of peace and harmony among Phoms.
