IMPHAL/TAMENGLONG, Feb 16: Nagas in Manipur celebrated Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival, in various parts of Manipur at varied levels. Cultural bonanza, concerts and feasting marked the gala occasion. The state level celebration was held at Tamenglong district headquarters under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).
Nagas from all walks of life engaged in the day-long jamboree of cultural extravaganza during the day on Thursday. They came to the celebration venue in bonhomie to rejoice in promoting their roots and in the spirit of brotherhood.
In every Lui-Ngai-Ni, the celebration is laced with festoons and fanfare with the showcasing of tradition and culture. The festival is also a connection between the gaping hole of their roots and modernity.
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On this day, Nagas in Manipur make every effort to reunite with their roots despite the mad drive along the tide of the fast moving world.
This year’s theme for Lui-Ngai-Ni was ‘Quintessential cultural resurgence’.
Meanwhile, in his presidential address, UNC president Ng. Lorho said Lui-Ngai-Ni marks the onset of the seed sowing season. It is an occasion to invoke the Almighty’s blessings for the crops and a bountiful harvest and for the prosperity of the people, the UNC president also said.
Lui-Ngai-Ni has been celebrated for the last 36 years and in each celebration, the rich cultural heritage and identity are showcased through various cultural programmes and performances in the forms of dances, songs, indigenous games and colorful traditional attires to preserve and pass on the Nagas’ cultural values.
Lorho said, “In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the need to preserve and ensure the continuity of our rich culture is felt more than ever. With westernization penetrating deep into the remotest village and among people of all ages and groups, our cultural system, fundamental principles, and social norms have been diluted and are dominated by foreign cultures. If this is not kept in check, there is a danger of cultural assimilation.”
“The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has caused immense loss to human lives and properties and our day-to-day livelihood has also been adversely affected. The unending conflict is detrimental to the whole. With no law-and-order in sight, Manipur is in a sorry state of affairs. The failure on the part of the Centre and state government to restore normalcy even after nine months of conflict is very unfortunate,” he lamented.
The UNC president said that despite disturbances, violence, provocations and sporadic incidents inflicted on the Nagas, the United Naga Council, in order to avoid escalating the issue into communal tension between any communities, has thus addressed and resolved all sensitive issues through its customary law, as a neutral entity. At this time, the Nagas should be extra cautious and should not succumb to the evil game plan designed by the anti-elements who are very active in trying to drag the Nagas into the conflict.
“However, if our peaceful nature should be taken for weakness, and if such violence, provocations and attacks continue, it may attract retaliation from the Nagas out of intolerance. Therefore, we appeal to all concerned to shun violence and give peace a chance,” he appealed.
On the occasion, the UNC chief urged the Nagas to reaffirm their stand and commitment to the cause of the Naga nation and face any challenges and also urged upon the Centre to materialize the Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM in letter and spirit as early as possible.
“To see the dawn of peace in the region and the country at large, an early solution to the Naga political issue is a must,” he added.
Speaking as chief guest of the festival, Awangbou Newmai, state minister for water resources, relief and disaster management made a clarion call for peace in the state.
Awangbow said, “Peace only starts from each one of us and we should start the initiative for peace in our own respective levels. Playing the blame game and pointing fingers at each other are not going to bring any solution and long-lasting peace”.
Lok Sabha MP, Lorho Pfoze was the principal guest while MLA Ram Muivah and MLA L Dikho were the honoured guests of the occasion. MLA from Tamenglong, Janghemlung Panmei was the chief host. Special guests of the occasion were MLA N Kaysii, MLA Leishiyo Keishing, MLA SS Olish and MLA Kumo Sha.
The two-day gala event was hosted by the Joint Tribes’ Council (JTC) of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui tribes.
Leaders of UNC, Naga Women Union (NWU), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and their subordinate bodies and units attended the occasion. (NNN)
