Correspondent
The Konyak community in Kohima under the aegis of Kohima Konyak Union (KUK) celebrated Aoleang festival with traditional fervour and a strong message of unity, identity and collective responsibility, with MLA and secretary general of NPF, Achumbemo Kikon, attending the event as special guest on Thursday at the Nagaland Heritage Village, Kisama.
Addressing the gathering, Kikon underscored the importance of leadership engagement, stating that one of the most valuable contributions leaders could offer the public was their time and presence. He expressed appreciation for the participation of leaders from various walks of life and tribes, noting that such gatherings reflected shared responsibility and solidarity.
While acknowledging the festive spirit marked by traditional food and celebration, he emphasized that Aoleang was not only a time of feasting but also of reflection on the identity and future of the Konyak community within the broader Naga family.
Kikon asserted that the Konyaks formed an integral and indispensable part of the Naga family, stating that any conception of Naga identity would remain incomplete without them. He highlighted that the Konyaks occupied a strategically significant portion of the Naga homeland and, in terms of both landmass and population, constituted one of the largest groups among the Nagas. In this regard, he remarked that the Konyaks held a vital role in representing the aspirations of the Naga people, including issues relating to sovereignty and unity.
Referring to historical and cultural diversity among Naga tribes such as Angami, Ao, Lotha, Sema, Pochury and Mao, he pointed out that such diversity was evident in gatherings like Aoleang, which brought together people from different communities. He observed that the preservation of traditional attire and practices among the Konyaks reflected their deep-rooted cultural identity.
Kikon further remarked on the intellectual and cultural strength of the Konyak community, urging them to utilise their capabilities for the advancement of both the Konyaks in particular and the Nagas in general.
He called upon the younger generation to reflect on the journey of the community and to chart a clear direction for the future from 2026 onwards, especially in addressing existing limitations and challenges.
Highlighting political representation, Kikon noted that Konyaks held nine seats in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which he described as a significant share. He further stated that in Arunachal Pradesh, several tribes such as Wangchus, Noctes and Tangsa of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts shared close ethnic and cultural ties with the Konyaks.
Including these, he pointed out that Konyak representation and presence extended beyond Nagaland.
Drawing from his visits to these regions, Kikon maintained that people across these areas shared similar traditions, attire and identity, and that artificial state and international boundaries had divided what was historically one people. He reiterated that despite such divisions, the historical and cultural unity of the Nagas remained intact.
He also referred to Naga-inhabited areas beyond the international boundary, stating that a significant portion of the Naga population lived outside India. Citing the example of Longwa village, he noted how residents lived across the India-Myanmar border, illustrating the artificial nature of such divisions. He reiterated the need to continue asserting the rights of the Naga people and opposed any measures that would further divide them, including border fencing.
Kikon emphasized that the Konyak community had a crucial role to play in fostering unity among Nagas across regions, including those in Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. He pointed out the traditional influence of Konyak Anghs, including those whose authority extended across present-day borders.
On environmental concerns, he highlighted the growing threat of global warming and climate change, stressing that responsibility for environmental protection lay with all sections of society. He urged the community to uphold and emulate positive customary practices and traditions that promoted harmony with nature.
He also lauded the State government’s initiative under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio in promoting cultural festivals such as the Hornbill Festival and extending similar celebrations to district and tribal levels. He said these initiatives were aimed at fostering unity among Naga tribes and strengthening cultural identity.
Kikon observed that the participation of leaders and representatives from different tribes at the Aoleang celebration was a reflection of this vision of unity. He extended greetings to the gathering and wished the community a happy Aoleang festival.
Earlier, greetings were also shared by minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, C.L. John.