Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Neiphiu Rio while highlighting the importance of “friendship treaty” between Tuophema (Angami tribe) and Tesophenyu (Rengma tribe) said such a treaty should be spread across Nagaland.
Speaking at the during golden jubilee celebration of “friendship treaty” at Tuophezou Dahou (Tuophema village) under Kohima district on Thursday, Rio said the “friendship treaty” of Tuophema and Tesophenyu was as old as 147 years, even before Christianity and that such initiative brings blessings to both the villages.
He urged both the community to strengthen and uphold their “friendship treaty” with peace and unity and spread the same to other Naga tribes. Rio added that such practices should be passed down to the younger generations to bring peace and unity among the Naga society.
The MP also lauded the effort of the two villages for organising the golden jubilee of “friendship treaty” to renew their friendship. He also encouraged spreading friendship treaty among the neighbouring tribes and villages to build Naga society with unity.
On the occasion, parliamentary secretary for housing, Er Levi Rengma, urged the two communities to celebrate the friendship treaty by forgiving one another.
He asked them to pass down the good cultural practices and traditions by the ancestors to the coming up generations. Er Levi also appealed them to maintain peaceful coexistence and cooperation to bring changes in the society.
He also deliberated on preserving the traditional practices, customs and culture of the ancestors.
CT Rengma in his narration of the history stated that although there is no written record on the friendship, the people have been made known about this friendship through oral history.
He said for years the ancestors have safeguarded and passed on this friendship and goodwill into the hands of the younger generation and now it was the younger generations who must continue and uphold this friendship.
Earlier, a function was held at Tesophenyu village and at Tuophema village. The friendship treaty monolith was unveiled and dedicated by Rev. Wachulo Jemu at Tuophema village and later participations enjoy the feast. Thousands from both the villages attended the programme.
The programme at Tuophema village function was led by Shengato Jemu convenor, folk dance was presented by Tesophenyu villagers, Chiechama head GB and a representative from Mezoma village also address gathering, while vote of thanks was proposed by Keduo-u Zum, president, Tuophezou Dzevi Kehou.
It may be mentioned that somewhere during the 1870’s the three friends Zerügei of Tuophema, Hontewa of Tesophenyu and Rheichalie of Mezoma took a pledge to be “eternal friends” in a feast of merit hosted by Zerügei at Tuophema. Tuophema hosted the friendship treaty on February 16, 1967, followed by Tesophenyu on January 17, 1969.