TNL invites Ravi to Lui-Ngai-Ni
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 17 2015: The president of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) on behalf of the United Naga Council (UNC) has officially invited interlocutor of the ongoing dialogue between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, RN Ravi as a special guest to next year's Lui-Ngai-Ni festival on February 15.The TNL president, Weapon Zimik handed over the invitation to RN Ravi yesterday.

TNL will be the host of the biggest festival of the Nagas in Manipur.

In a statement, TNL said that Lui-Ngai-Ni is the biggest festival of all the Nagas living within the jurisdiction of Manipur State and the most important platform for all the 16 Naga tribes along with Tangkhul Naga from Somra Tract, Myanmar to come together as one and celebrate the festival in oneness.

The festival which is popularly known as the seed sowing festival reflects the Nagas' hope in the new initiative of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and efficient and dynamic interlocutor RN Ravi and a team of dedicated collective leadership headed by Yaruiwo Isak Swu and Ato Kilonser Th Muivah.

TNL president Weapon Zimik and RN Ravi

It is the cherished dreams of all the Nagas to reap the good harvest as the two parties attempt to sow the seed of peace, development and a new partnership between the Nagas and the rest of India, added TNL.

For the Nagas, the visit of PM Modi and RN Ravi as the chief guest and special guest of the festival respectively at this crucial phase in resolving the "longest armed movement" in South Asia will usher a strong foundation to the new relationship that the new parties seek to establish.

The president of TNL has expressed his satisfaction in knowing the keen interest and positive response given by Ravi to the invitation from the UNC and TNL, added the statement.

Significantly, the invitation said, "We see the invite to the PM and our interlocutor as the most opportune time as we seek to resolve differences and build a new relationship for the brighter future of Nagas and all other section of Indian population".

Further, it added, "We are ready and prepared to give the PM and you the warmest reception and most colourful festival of the Nagas" .

In the discussion and also on the invitation letter there was a reflection of the "New Act East" policy and how Nagas and rest of India can work as partners and maximize the dreams of all sections of the population.

It read, "Tangkhul Naga as you know is one of the forefronts in asserting the right of the Nagas.

PM's visit to the heart of Tangkhul Naga headquarters will build the necessary momentum as we hope and work to realize the bigger dreams of connecting with the rest of the South East Asian countries through "Act East Policy" .