DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): The 74th Phom Day, commemorating the end of the head hunting era and reaffirming peace and harmony among the Phom community, was observed on Saturday at multiple venues across Nagaland, including Dimapur, Longleng and Kohima.
In Dimapur, the day was observed at Ao Senden Riju, Dimapur, under the theme “Towards the Platinum, Peace, Beneficiaries and the Obligation.” The programme was organised by the Dimapur Phom Union.
The event began with an invocation by Rev. C. Hamba Nemdakly of Phom Baptist Attoi, Dimapur, followed by a welcome address from Union president Er. O. Thokphen Phom. An act play titled Phom Day Labpü Huhen, presented by the Youth Department of Signal Phom Baptist Attoi, depicted the historical significance of Phom Day and the transition from conflict to peace.
Short addresses were delivered by DC Dimapur Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Naga Council Dimapur president G.K. Rengma, and ENPUD president N.T. Thamlong Phom, who highlighted Phom Day as a symbol of reconciliation, unity and social responsibility. A modern folk fusion performance by the Youth Department of Phom Baptist Attoi formed part of the cultural segment.
Delivering the Phom Day message, former Parliamentary Secretary P. Dako Phom presented a historical account, recalling that head hunting among the Phoms continued until 1950 despite the arrival of Christianity in 1929. He said consultations involving chiefs and elders culminated in a peace agreement on June 6, 1952, when Phom villages pledged to abandon violence permanently.
Guest of honour A. Pongshi Phom, MLA of 50th Assembly Constituency, Longleng, expressed concern over divisions within Naga society and urged unity, openness and mutual respect in addressing the Naga political issue. Another guest of honour, B. Bangtick Phom, MLA of 49th Assembly Constituency, Tamlu, underscored the importance of peace, patience and social responsibility.
Special guest H. Tovihoto Ayemi, advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, described Phom Day as historically and morally significant, commending Phom elders for laying the foundation of peace. He urged communities to strengthen unity through their distinct identities and renew commitment to brotherhood and coexistence. The programme also featured a poem recitation by H. Hamnyü Phom. Vote of thanks was delivered by H. Metjei Phom, convener of the Phom Day Committee, while benediction was pronounced by Rev. Vangpong, advisor, NCRC.
KOHIMA: At Kohima Phom Baptist Church (KPBC), Deputy Commissioner Kohima B. Henok Buchem attended as guest of honour. In his address, Buchem said the present generation is fortunate to enjoy the fruits of peace made possible through the sacrifices of forefathers. He urged the community to be not only peacekeepers but practitioners of peace, stressing forgiveness, reconciliation and unity in overcoming divisions such as land disputes and boundary issues. The programme featured invocation by Longpang, convenor of the prayer committee, welcome address by P. Imti Phom, president of Phom Union Kohima, special numbers by Shukchu, and mass prayer led by Rev. Phomlee, pastor KPBC.
LONGLENG: At Longleng public ground, Deputy Commissioner Longleng W. Manpai Phom graced the celebration as special guest. He unfurled the Phom Day flag, took salute from parade contingents of schools, Scouts & Guides and Yingli College, and delivered the Phom Day message. He reminded the gathering that peace depends on individual conduct and called for self examination and collective welfare. The programme included anthem presentation by Medical Ward Fellowship, cultural performances, peace folk fusion, and sports events such as penalty shoot out and volleyball exhibition. N.I Jamir, Awards for academic excellence were also presented.
Delivering the Phom Day message at Longleng, former PPC president P. Pükyong Phom spoke on legacy, while solidarity message was given by Chingtok Imtitoshi, Commandant 12th NAP (IR). Y. Nuklu Phom pronounced Towards the Platinum: Peace, Beneficiaries and Obligations, followed by affirmation of the Phom Day Covenant by Dobashis.