Nagas will move forward through unity, says Rio at Moatsu Festival

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday expressed his happiness at the presence of leaders of all the 15 tribes hohos during Moatsu festival celebration at the Imkomgmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, saying coming together of tribal leaders shows the sign of unity amongst the Nagas.
The chief minister, who graced the celebration as chief guest, said that through such unity the Nagas will move forward and keep the hopes alive for the younger Naga generations.
Stating that there was no place for individualism, clannism and tribalism, Rio called for imprinting ‘Nagaism’ on the minds of the people of the state. On the occasion, the chief minister informed the gathering that a meeting has been called amongst the various tribal leaders, political parties and renowned leaders of the state on May 9 to discuss the issue of Municipal Act.
Rio, therefore requested all tribal leaders present at the celebration to attend the proposed meeting. Extending warm Moatsu greeting to the members of Ao community, the chief minister said that it was very important to celebrate such festivals.
He said that it was through celebration of festivals that friendships and bonding between neighbours were built and brotherhood amongst various tribes were strengthened. Rio further stressed that it was through such festivals that the feeling of oneness, unity and one’s identity was known and that the common traditions and cultures of the Nagas are shared.
Minister RD & SIRD Metsubo Jamir, who attended the celebration as the guest of honour, also gave a brief speech.
Meanwhile, the Ao Senden felicitated all the presidents of the 15 tribal hohos present at the celebration.
Earlier, Ao Senden president Chubawati Longchar delivered welcome address while significance of moatsu was explained by Lanutemsu DB.
At the programme, folksongs were presented by Riongsanger putu menden Mokokchung village and Watsu Mungdang.
The programme also witnessed the range-wise folkdance competition where Molungkimong Cultural Troupe was declared the first, followed by Tongpang Riju Cultural Society and Tazulenden Cultural Society Mopungchuket as second and third places respectively.
Besides, inter-ward tug of war, both men and women, were played, wherein Alempang ward and Salangtem ward emerged as champion and runner up respectively in men’s category. In women’s category, Alempang ward emerged victorious while Sangtemla ward came in second position.
The Moatsu festival celebration was organized by Ao Senden; a collective celebration initiated by the government of Nagaland.