Call for peace echoed at Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 15 2024: Amidst the ethnic conflict in Manipur, the state level Lui-Ngai-Ni festival 2024 was celebrated at Apollo Ground, Tamenglong town on Thursday.

Organised by State Level Organising Committee of Lui-Ngai-Ni, under the aegis of United Naga Council (UNC), the annual seed-sowing festival of the Nagas was hosted by Joint Tribes Council (JTC) of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui tribes.

Lui-Ngai-Ni celebrated on February 15 every year is officially recognised and declared a state holiday by the government of Manipur in 1988 whereas the Ministry of Tourism listed Lui-Ngai-Ni as one of the tourist festivals of India in 1997.The event was attended by Water Resources minister Awang -bow Newmai as chief guest and Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze as principal guest while Mao MLA Losi Dikho and Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, were honoured guests and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei the chief host.

Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing and Karong MLA J Kumo Sha also attended the celebration as special guests.

District officials including Tamenglong Autonomous District Council (ADC), CEO Kachamthai Faiga Gangmei, SP Luikham and SDO (Tamenglong & Tousem) were also present on the occasion apart from representatives of Naga bodies like ANSAM, NWUM and other federating units of the same.

In his address Awangbow Newmai gave a clarion call for peace in the state, which has been reeling under communal conflict for over nine months now, and pointed out that peace only starts from each one of us and that one should start the initiative for peace at our own level.

He urged the Nagas to do their part in restoring peace in the state instead of remaining a silent spectator.

Awangbow also mentioned that playing the blame game and pointing finger at others is not going to bring any solution and long-lasting peace.

Speaking at the festival, UNC president Ng Lorho noted that Nagas remained as neutral entity in the conflict despite numerous provocations and disturbances caused by both the warring communities.

"However if our peaceful nature should be taken for weakness, and if such violence, provocations and attacks continue it may trigger retaliations from the Nagas out of intolerance.

Therefore, we appeal to all concerned to shun violence and give peace a chance," he said.

On the other-hand, Dr Lorho noted that Nagas should reaffirm their stand and commitment to the cause of Naga nation and face any challenges.

He urged the central government to honour the Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN-IM in letter and spirit as early as possible.

The celebration showcased the rich cultural identity of Nagas through various cultural programmes and performances in the form of dances, songs, indigenous games and colourful traditional attires.

The state level Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration was participated by as many as 18 Naga tribes from Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong districts.

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