Nagaland: Changki-Tai Ahom meet marks historic milestone

The second day of the Changki–Tai Ahom Cultural Connect on Tuesday witnessed a historic milestone with the inauguration of the “Testament of Friendship” monolith at Changki.
The monument, unveiled by Rajkumar Alok Narayan Singha, Prince of Tai Ahom, stands as a symbol of the age-old bond between the Ao Naga community of Changki, Longjemdang, and the Tai Ahom people. The release of white pigeons during the ceremony further underscored the spirit of peace and fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Marsanen Imsong, president of Ao Senden said that the event was not about rewriting history but reclaiming it.
“We are not here to invent a new history, but to clear the weeds from the ancient path that our ancestors walked long ago,” he said.
He described Changki as a historic gateway between the Naga Hills and the plains, recalling centuries of relations rooted in shelter, trade, and matrimonial ties. “Our history is written not merely in ink, but in blood and matrimonial ties,” he emphasized, mentioning that unity does not demand loss of identity but thrives on mutual respect and cooperation.
Imsong further urged younger generations to transform “disputed fields” into “prosperity zones,” focusing on joint commerce, education, and technology rather than suspicion or division.
C Imo Walling, president of Jangpetkong Senso Mungdang, recalled the centuries-old shared history between the Ao Naga and Tai Ahom people, strengthened through marriages, mutual refuge, and support.
He appealed for unity and respect, stressing that the legacy of cooperation must be preserved and passed on to future generations. Walling underscored that the stories of trust and friendship lived by the forefathers should continue to guide the younger generation in fostering peace and harmony.
In his solidarity message, advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Temjenmenba, highlighted stories of trust and friendship passed down by elders. He recalled how a Tai Ahom king once gifted two boatloads of salt—a rare and precious commodity—to the Changki villagers.
“Trust and friendship can only be earned,” he said. “The very fact that the Ahom King took shelter in Changki shows the trust he had in the Changki people.”
Expressing gratitude to the forefathers for nurturing such trust, Temjenmenba remarked: “We can change friends, but we cannot change neighbors. In this context, today’s historic event between the Tai Ahoms and the Changki people is deeply significant. We are writing a new chapter of our friendship today.”
He urged both communities to act as “ambassadors of peace” and strengthen ties for generations to come.
Speaking on behalf of the Tai Ahom community, Prince Rajkumar Alok Narayan Singha affirmed the special place of the Ao Nagas in Tai Ahom history.
“Our two communities have largely lived in peaceful harmony with no record of major conflict,” he noted, highlighting marital, economic, and cultural exchanges that deepened the relationship.
He added that freedom of movement, mutual refuge, and cooperation during times of unrest reflected shared values of trust and fraternity. “It is now our collective responsibility to carry this legacy of unity forward,” he said, noting that Changki would stand as a witness to the enduring bond between the two communities.
The programme also featured cultural presentations by the Society for Tai Ahom Resurgence (STAR) and Changki Watsu Telok, including a song about Masemnaro, the first woman from Changki to marry outside the village. Padma Shri awardee Prof. Jogendra Nath Phukan delivered a historical overview of Ao–Ahom relations, while Dr. Temjen Longchari, convenor of the organising committee, proposed the vote of thanks.
Later in the afternoon, a seminar titled “A Conversation on Relationships Between Tai Ahom and Changki (Ao Naga)” was held at Orija Salang, where Tai scholars and community representatives discussed social and trade relations in contemporary contexts. Leaders from Changki, Longjemdang and the Tai Ahom community committed to further strengthening ties by organising cultural exchange programmes in the future.
The evening session featured traditional bonfire lighting, live music performances by Blended Colors, a local Changki band, and the DGP Band. A unity dance was also performed, symbolising fraternity and togetherness.
The cultural connect will conclude on February 11 with a trek to Tai Ahom King Swargado Gadadhar Singha’s shelter site at Tzusasa, Changki, marking the closing chapter of the historic event.