Nagaland: Rio hopeful of Centre nod on FNT demand

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Monday expressed hope that the Government of India would positively consider the demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 at the Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon.
Rio, who was the chief host of the programme, stated that the third and final draft of the FNT proposal has been submitted to the Centre after due deliberations with the State Cabinet, DIPR report stated.
In his welcome address, Rio also urged the Konyak community to actively use the heritage complex to preserve, promote, and showcase their rich cultural traditions.
He applauded the ingenuity of the Konyaks passed down from their ancestors, adding that it reflected in traditional craftsmanship including gun and gunpowder making, beadwork, tattoos, blacksmithing, and pottery. He also urged the people to utilize the complex to preserve, promote and execute the rich culture and tradition of the Konyaks
Rio later inaugurated the Traditional Cuisine and Artists & Artisans’ Corner and visited the Ahng Museum and stalls set up by various departments and local groups.
Deputy chief minister, Y. Patton in his brief speech expressed his gratitude to the organisers, and especially the chief minister.
The host of the say, W. Chingang Konyak, advisor, DUDA and Geology & Mining, formally introduced the International Hornbill Festival Mon edition, thanking chief minister for initiating the event.
He noted that the festival reflected the government’s commitment to promoting the culture, identity, and tourism of Mon district, while bringing its people together. He also urged the Konyaks to protect and preserve their heritage.
The cultural extravaganza, organised by department of Art & Culture under the theme “Cultural Connect”, featured performances by the Tangnyu, Wanching, Loung, Tamkoang, Chen Area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Langmeang, Nokyan troupes, as well as the Phom, Ao, Tenyimia Cultural Troupe, and the Wancho Fusion Crew, along with participants from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Indigenous games, organised by department of DUDA in collaboration with Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge”, included rice pounding, rice husking, and fire-making competitions.
The programme began with traditional blessings by Lohwang, Pongyin, Ahng of Longzang village, followed by heralding of the festival through traditional trumpets, firing of muzzle-loading guns by Loung Village, and the sounding of the gong by Chief Host Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
The programme was compered by Chingmei Konyak, with invocation pronounced by Rev. H. Moba Konyak, Pastor KBCM, and a note of appreciation delivered by Yamao Konyak, president of Konyak Union.
Co-host for the event was advisor of Art & Culture, Treasuries & Accounts, K. Konngam Konyak. Other dignitaries present included minister P. Paiwang Konyak, advisor Tongpang Ozukum and advisor to CM Rusemtong Longkumer.