Lui-Ngai-Ni celebrated at Tamenglong
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei/ NNN

Tamenglong, February 15, 2013: Along with invoking the blessing of Almighty God for bumper harvest this year as well, seed sowing festival of the Nagas, Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated along with traditional gaiety and fervour under theme of 'Our culture, Our unity' at Tamenglong district headquarters today.

Addressing the mammoth crowd gathered for the celebration, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio said that Nagas should not treat or see Meiteis as their enemies.

Rio, who attended the celebration as Chief Guest, stated, "Meiteis are our neighbors and they are not our enemies, and we should remain that way".

"It is very unfortunate that Nagas are divided into different administrative zones.

But, all Nagas, regardless of their place of residence must be given equal rights and opportunities as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

However, it is heartening to learn that Nagas in Myanmar are doing well politically", he added.

On the significance of celebrating Lui-Ngai-Ni, Rio said this festival brings the Nagas together, and appreciated the organiser of the festival for bringing oneness among Nagas through Lui-Ngai-Ni festival in the state of Manipur under theme 'our culture, our unity'.

He noted that at present Nagas are going through a very difficult time.

In India, Nagas are living in four states.

Naga have their culture, tradition, history, rights to be sovereign and independent but Nagas have been placed in such condition today that they have to realise the fact of life and continue to survive wherever they are place.

So, unless the Nagas are united, there is no future for them.

Rio also donated Rs 2 lakhs to the celebration committee of Lui-Ngai-Ni.

It can be noted here that Rio's visit to Manipur was marred with confusion as the State Government of Manipur had said on Friday that it was not informed about the Nagaland Chief Minister's visit to Manipur.

On the other hand, Rio's media advisor Abu Metha had told NNN that they had informed the Manipur Government about it.

Amidst this development, Neiphiu Rio landed in the Tamenglong district headquarters by a chopper.

Meanwhile, TS Warngam, vice president of United Naga Council (UNC) and convener of the central organizing committee of this year�s Lui- Ngai- Ni welcomed all the dignitaries especially the leaders from other communities viz., Zomi, Hmar and Kuki for their participation.

Nagaland Education Minister CM Chang and Planning Minister TR Zeliang were also present during the celebration as Guest of Honour and Chief Host respectively.

K Guite, Advisor of Zomi Reunification Organisation, Dr.John Pulamte, President of Hmar Inpui and Jangsat Haokip, President of Kuki Inpi Manipur Tamenglong- Jiri Zone attended as special invitees.

Speaking on the occasion, President of United Naga Council (UNC) L Adani urged the non-Naga communities for mutual respect for each other's history and situation, so that every people can live with dignity and honour.

"We have always maintained that we are not communal and that we respect the cultures, identities and aspirations of other communities just as we wish that ours is respected.

We have no agenda other than to pursue our quest for political empowerment that is due to one and all in democracy.

In pursuing what is our due, we do not intend to deprive anybody that is due to them or their space.

By respecting the history, aspirations, identities, ways of life, the land and resources of each other, we can live in peace and in good neighborliness with each other", the UNC leader stated.

Harping on the UNC's demand for 'Alternative Arrangement' and the subsequent 'tripartite talks' involving the Government of India and Government of Manipur and the UNC, Adani maintained that UNC will continue to vigilantly engage with it and with sincerity, seriousness and in good faith.

Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated with great pomp and show.

Naga people from every part of the Manipur attended the annual celebration.

The festival was declared state festival and state holiday by the Government of Manipur.

The festival of seed sowing and invoking God�s blessing was participated by the tribes including Anal, Chothe, Inpui, Kharam, Lamkang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Monsang, Moyon, Poumei, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thangal and Zeliangrong tribesmen.

The participating tribes presented different cultural dance and songs.

Blessing of the seeds was pronounced by MP.

Namthiurai.

All the tribes also collected the blessed seeds for the new plantation.

Light of sacred fire, totem shooting, folk song singing, dancing, Pole climbing, cow head jumping and Hohoing and traditional drum beating, etc were some of the main attractions of the celebration.

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