Lui-Ngai-Ni blends perfectly with a cocktail of politics, cultural shows
Ukhrul comes alive to Lui-Ngai-Ni spirit
Source: The Sangai Express / Chiphang and SK

Ukhrul, February 15 2011: It was a cultural festival alright, christened Lui-NagiNi, the seed sowing festival of the Naga community, with cultural exchange amongst the different tribes being the main highlights.

However this sombre and festive ambience of the day did not stop politics from making its presence felt at Ukhrul, where the Alternative Arrangements model was announced by the UNC during the the Naga Peoples' Convention at Senapati on July 1, 2010, as part of its campaign to sever all ties with the Government of Manipur.

Lui-Ngai-Ni, easily one of the most colourful festivals of the Naga tribe was celebrated at Ukhrul district headquarters with various various Naga tribes enthralling the spectators with a battery of multi-ethnic tribal dance and traditional shows, ceremonial blessing of seeds, cultural regal and "Lui-Ngai-Ni nite" .

Unlike the past festivals, leaders of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (Kim) including its president Thangkhosei Haokip also joined the festival.

Significantly Haokip attended as the guest of honor at the occasion.

Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo, chief guest of the occasion, emphasized the need for the Naga people to come together as one for a better future as they all have a common destiny.

A cultural dance underway and inset president of the Naga Hoho

"May this (festival) be the foundation for our people to come together as one.

It is for us to struggle together for a better future," he said.

He also emphasized the need to strengthen the UNC, the apex body of several Naga civil bodies in Manipur and the politicians to achieve the aspirations of the Naga people.

Commenting on the UNC's alternative arrangement campaign, Kevioletuo said the Naga Hoho will stand by it.

He, nevertheless, said the agenda of such a move should be clear to all and due emphasis should be laid on transparency.

The Naga Hoho president also pointed out the significance of the collective Nagas' call of 'One nation, One culture' .

UNC president Samson Remei said there is the need to help others who are facing similar plights like the Nagas in Manipur and elsewhere.

"Now is the time for us to ponder on the gradual decadence of our culture and restore it to its pristine glory," he added.

"As we celebrate Lui-Ngai-Ni, we must once again re-dedicate ourselves to Naga reconciliation process, the pursuance of Alternative Arrangement and the Indo-Naga Peace Process to usher in an honorable and acceptable settlement in Nagalim," he added.

Kim president Haokip, recalled the key role taken by the UNC and Kim in ushering peace and harmony between the Nagas and the Kukis in the aftermath of the bloody ethnic clash between them in the early 90s.The cultural show included folk dances and songs, traditional games and sports, traditional musical instruments by troupes from different communities including Chakhesang and Kuki tribes.

Exhibition cum sale of handlooms, arts and crafts, foods, seeds and seedlings, audio visual productions and publications, indigenous musical instruments in day time and the traditional fashion display in the evening were also held during the festival hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long and organized by the UNC.

Amongst other the festival was attended by ,Anal tribe,chothe,Inpui,Lamkang, Maring, Memei (mao), Monsang (Shirti), Moyon, Poumai, Tangkhul, Chakesang Losami), SDSA , NWUM, ANSAM, NSF, NPMHR, Kuki Inpi, Kharao Hoho, NPO , Maram and CNPO.