Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 7 (NPN): Deputy chief minister Y. Patton has urged the Lotha community to preserve its cultural identity and traditions, while calling on Naga political groups to unite and coordinate efforts to resolve the Naga political issue.
Patton was speaking at the Tokhu Emong festival organised by the Dimapur Lotha Hoho and hosted by him and his family at the State Stadium on Saturday. The event was attended by dignitaries and representatives of various tribes and organisations.
Extending Tokhu greetings, Patton said the festival was not merely an occasion for feasting and celebration but also a time to thank God for good health, protection and another year of life.
Expressing concern that many young Lothas in Dimapur could no longer speak their mother tongue, he urged parents to teach Lotha at home and encouraged the younger generation to uphold traditional attire, customs and practices.
He said cultural promotion should extend beyond the Hornbill Festival to initiatives such as the Mini Hornbill Festival.
Patton suggested holding a joint Tokhu celebration every three or four years instead of separate annual events to strengthen community bonds. He also urged Lothas to reciprocate the cooperation extended by other tribes during their festivals.
On the Naga political issue, Patton said the Government of India would not offer separate solutions to 36 or 37 factions and urged them to unite and coordinate their efforts. Expressing concern over extortion in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima, he said demands for donations accounted for a major share of such activities and that the public wanted all groups to come together.
He also encouraged students to pursue higher goals through education and use technology responsibly. Describing Tokhu as a time for reconciliation and reflection, he urged people to forgive one another, resolve misunderstandings and work towards a better future.
Advisor for tribal affairs and election H. Tovihoto Ayemi, the guest of honour, highlighted the need to balance tribal identity with the broader Naga identity. He cautioned against allowing village, khel, clan and tribal affiliations to weaken collective Naga identity, stressing that tribalism should not dictate politics, employment or social relationships.
Ayemi said modernisation, education, urbanisation and technology should not come at the cost of indigenous traditions. Expressing concern over the declining use of indigenous languages among younger generations and the weakening of traditional institutions, community spirit and oral history associated with the morung system, he urged parents to speak their languages with their children at home.
He called for inter-tribal platforms to strengthen cooperation and a review of customary practices that restricted social equality or denied women fair participation in decision-making. While Article 371A protected Naga identity, he said regressive practices also needed to be addressed. He urged people to take pride in their respective tribes without looking down on others, adding that being modern did not mean ceasing to be Naga.
Advisor for labour and employment, skill development and entrepreneurship, and excise Moatoshi Longkumer lauded the Lotha community for its hard work, enterprise and contribution to Dimapur and Naga society. He acknowledged Lotha youth who had ventured beyond their homes to seek employment, build careers and establish themselves.
Longkumer called for continued efforts to create opportunities for young people and support business growth, expressing hope that the festival would strengthen unity and inspire the next generation.
The programme began with an invocation by Rev. Thebemo Yanthan, senior pastor of Lotha AG Church, Dimapur, and AGEI general superintendent. Dimapur Lotha Hoho chairman Thungchanthung Murry delivered the presidential address, while Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, senior pastor of LBCD, offered the blessing prayer.
A Tokhu song was presented by Vungu Von, followed by a folk dance by Dimapur Nkonjan N/Longidang Ekhung. Felicitations were carried out by Dimapur Lotha Hoho, the Tokhu committee and DLEE. DLEE chairperson and Tokhu committee member Mhabeni Humtsoe proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a benediction by Rev. Fr. John Nchumbemo Kikon of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, followed by a jubilee feast.