Emphasising that festivals such as Tsungkamnyo symbolise happiness, friendship and unity beyond tribal boundaries, Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday said the occasion serves as a reminder of the need to foster peace, mutual respect and brotherhood among all Naga communities, a DIPR report stated.
Addressing the second day of the Tsungkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival at Shamator, Dr. Rio thanked God for the pleasant weather and extended greetings and blessings to the Yimkhiung community on the occasion of Tsungkamnyo. He wished the people a bountiful harvest in 2026 and said the festival symbolises happiness and friendship not only within families but also among neighbouring tribes, fostering peace and unity.
Rio noted that the Mini Hornbill Festival had evolved from a roadshow concept, adding that the Hornbill Festival today is recognised nationally as a state festival. He pointed out that six countries had participated in the previous edition. Recalling history, Rio said the British had recognised the strong governance system and independent spirit of the Nagas, leading to the introduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 to safeguard Naga traditions and customs.
Referring to the last Hornbill Festival, Rio said some international participants had faced visa restrictions due to national policies, following which the state cabinet had written to the Centre seeking relaxation. Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat”, he urged all to work towards holistic development.
Highlighting the historic friendship between the Tangkhul Naga Long and the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC), Rio described it as a true reflection of the state government’s motto of “Unity” and expressed hope that it would strengthen peace and brotherhood among all Nagas.
TNL president Sword Vashum thanked the YTC for the invitation and sought forgiveness for past misunderstandings, assuring stronger ties. YTC president S. Throngso reciprocated the gesture, stressing the need to bury the past and work together for unity and peace. The declaration of mutual respect was formally read out by the YTC president.
Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation president A. Chingmak Chang termed the reconciliation historic and commended the organisers. Advisor S. Kiusumew highlighted the cultural significance of Tsungkamnyo and urged the younger generation to work responsibly for the future.
The programme concluded with cultural performances by Tangkhul and Yimkhiung troupes.
Other dignitaries present included deputy chief minister Y. Patton; minister for Forest & Environment C.L. John; advisor HG&CD and F&ES S. Kiusumew; advisor YRS S. Keoshu Yimchunger and officials.
CM inaugurates DC office complex in Shamator: Coinciding with the Tsungkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival of the Yimkhiung tribe, chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday inaugurated the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex at Shamator along with five associated offices– Superintendent of Police, District Public Relations Office, District Youth Resources Office, District Planning Office and District Sericulture Office.
Addressing the programme, Dr. Rio thanked the departmental engineers, contractors, workers and the local community for their cooperation and dedication in completing the projects.
He said Shamator, being one of Nagaland’s newly created districts, was established to bring administration closer to the people and ensure inclusive and balanced development. However, he noted that the absence of a fully functional DC office had posed challenges in governance, inter-departmental coordination, service delivery and implementation of government schemes.
The inauguration of the offices would address these gaps and lay a strong foundation for effective district administration, he added.
Stating that the DC is the principal administrative and executive authority at the district level, responsible for revenue administration, law and order, disaster management, development planning and coordination among departments, Rio said the establishment of these offices was a crucial step towards strengthening governance and ensuring the welfare of the people. He added that the establishment of a treasury or sub-treasury office would depend on transactional requirements.
Rio urged the people of Shamator district to collectively take responsibility for maintaining the facilities so that they serve their intended purpose. He said the DC complex should function as a centre of efficient, transparent and citizen-centric governance.