Tovihoto calls for unity at Rongmei Day

Advisor of Power, H Tovihoto Ayemi called for unity among different tribes residing in Dimapur reminding them that Dimapur belonged to all community.
He said this while gracing the Gaan Ngai-cum-Rongmei Day celebration at Chungaizaeng Rongmei Colony, Burma Campo, Dimapur, on Monday.
The festival was organised by Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN).
Tovihoto said that Dimapur was unique in its own way by pointing out that most districts were mostly populated by a single tribe but Dimapur did not belong to one tribe or community but to all Nagas. With this unique feature, Dimapur resembled a “Mini India”, “true secular and cosmopolitan city” where many non- Nagas resided peacefully, Tovihoto said.
He therefore expressed the hope that the same peaceful co-existence amongst all Naga tribes and non Nagas would continue in Dimapur.
On the occasion, the advisor also stressed on the importance of promoting and preserving the culture as it was the identity and that Nagas cannot afford to lose its identity. He therefore, encouraged the younger Naga generation that they should preserve and promote the culture so that it can be passed on the younger generation.
He acknowledged the Rongmei Council Nagaland for organizing the programmes was it was one way of preserving and promoting the culture.
He also acknowledged RCN for extending invitation to all Naga tribes, as it not only unit entire Naga populace, but also promotes love, understanding and respect for other tribes.
He said that Nagas were small community and society but every tribe has its own diverse and unique ways.
“Nagas are different from one another, and that is what makes us special and unique in our own ways”, he said.
Speaking on the achievements of the state government, he highlighted transformation and developmental changes that were taking place under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
He also spoke on the aims and visions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had given extra focus and concentration to the whole of North East, including Nagaland.
He noted that government of India was committed for the development of Northeast states, at par with other states.
On the ongoing Naga political talks, he stated that it was the aspirations and desire of all Nagas for early solution, and expressed the hope that solution could be achieved soon.
He however stated that if solution does not come as expected, he noted that as per the Constitution if India, elections would be held. Also speaking on the Eastern Nagaland Peoples (ENPO) demand for Frontier Nagaland, he opined that it was the right of every India citizen to express their rights under the constitution of India.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Matilda Panmei, Tanlouthai K Kamei, Malangdi Malangmei and Elizabeth Dangmei, invocation offered by executive secretary (RBCAN), Rev. Mathiuthai Gonmei, festival greetings by president, Rongmei Council Nagaland, Chingkhiulung Gonmei, and welcome address and significance of the festival delivered by convenor, organizing committee, Mathew Rongmei.
Highlights of the programme included special song by James Riamei, Kathunag Pamie, RCCD Women United North Block, Tinailiu Gonmei, traditional way of making fire by RCK, RCP, RCD, & RCC, folk dance by Rongmei Council Chümoukedima, Rongmei Council Peren, Rongmei Council Dimapur, and folk song by Gaimei Panmei.
Vote of thanks was delivered by secretary, organizing committee, Kidongam Panmei and benediction offered by Catechist St. Francis of Assisi Church, Thailiklung Paul Pamei.