Lanutangit Walling
MERANGKONG, SEP 7 (NPN): The Merangkong Laishir Telungjem (MLT) organised a Thanksgiving programme at Merangkong Baptist Church on Monday to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the baptism of Longjanglepzuk, remembered as the first known Ao Naga Christian.
Longjanglepzük is remembered as the first known Ao Naga from Merangkong village to accept Jesus Christ. Born around 1830 to Makatoba and Sosangkasü, he was the youngest of three siblings. At about 20, he travelled to Assam for work, where he came into contact with American Baptist missionaries and learned about Christianity.
On September 7, 1851, he was baptized at Sibsagar Baptist Church by Rev. S. W. Whiting. He remained with the church and missionaries for about two years before expressing his desire to return to Merangkong and marry someone from his own community.
He returned home in 1853, at a time when conflict and headhunting were part of the social landscape of several Naga communities. According to historical accounts preserved in Merangkong, he was killed when trying to plead for peace when he went to meet the raiders from nine neighbouring Konyak villages.
His life was brief, but his courage was remarkable. The faith he embraced did not diminish his courage; it gave it a different direction. In a world where courage could be demonstrated through warfare, he demonstrated it by standing for peace.
Earlier, the celebration began with the dedication of a footpath named “Tzuma Lenmang: The Unreturned Footprint Path of Longjanglepzuk”, dedicated by Missionary at Large, Guwahati, Rev. Puna. A commemorative monument was subsequently unveiled and dedicated by Execu-tive Secretary of the Ao Baptist Church Association (ABAM) Rev. Temsu Jamir.
Generations later, Merangkong’s Christian witness extended beyond its own community. In 1983, Rev. P. Pona Ao and his wife, Theresa Marak, were commissioned to serve among the Amri Karbis of Assam. On August 7 that year, 40 people from 13 Amri Karbi villages were bap-tised in the Digaru River near Rongphar.
These stories reflect a quiet continuity: a young Ao man encountered Christ in Assam, the faith took root among his people, and generations later, the church of Merangkong helped carry that faith to another community. Those who had received were now becoming people who gave.
The formal session also witnessed the release of a documentary on the life and legacy of Long-janglepzuk by President, MLT Akumtoshi.
Greetings were delivered by Deacon, Merangkong Baptist Church, N. Temjen Jamir while Council Chairman,Tinu Yaden represented the Merangkong Medemsanger Putu. A delegation from Central Baptist Church, Sivasagar, Assam, also shared a historical testimony recalling Longjanglepzuk’s association with the church.
A special presentation was made by the Merangkong Senso Telungjem, Tuli, while 175 people joined in singing during a special presentation marking the 175th anniversary. The official theme song “Longjanglepzuk,” composed by Imna Yaden of Dimapur and released on August 28, 2026, was also presented.
Exhortations were delivered by Ao Senden president Marsanen and Special Assistant for India Ministry, International MinistriesRev. Dr. Wati Lkr. Rev. Temsu Jamir delivered the main mes-sage on the theme “Announcement of Liberty,” based on Galatians 5:1.
A special prayer was offered by Alemla Mozur. The vote of thanks was pronounced by convenor of the planning committee, MLT,Limasangwa and benediction offered by pastor, Merangkong Baptist Church Rev. Nukshi Yaden.
The programme was chaired by Asst. Prof. Tuli College, Yapangtila and invocation by Deacon, Merangkong Baptist Church Rev. Toshimeren.