Focus on traditional planting, not easy harvest: Ningkhan Shimray
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, March 06 2025: Longvibu Naga army, GPRN 'Gen' Ningkhan Shimray has called upon the Naga people to embrace their traditional practices of sowing crop seeds, rather than focusing on easy harvests without the efforts of planting.

"While the Luira festival is celebrated annually, its significance appears to be diminishing with large swathes of arable land that have been abandoned for easier access to government rations, schemes, etc.," stated Gen Shimray while speaking as chief guest at the Tashar Luira Phanit at the village public ground on Thursday.

Focus on traditional planting, not easy harvest: Ningkhan Shimray

Highlighting a concerning trend, he noted that despite celebrating the Luira Phanit every year, many seem to have shifted their focus to quick harvest rather than toiling in the field.

"This trend is neglecting our lands and natural resources where our identity lies," he stressed.

"We are a chosen people of God, and we can't afford to lose the birthright that has been given to us," he said, urging a return to the traditional values that underpin their cultural identity.

Referring to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, he posited that their downfall stemmed not solely from temptation, but from abandoning the lands God had entrusted to them.

"This same abandonment is occurring today, with many neglecting their ancestral lands and resources," he cautioned.

At the same time, the Naga Army chief also called upon the Naga public to reflect on the metaphorical seeds they sow in the society.

He drew parallels between agricultural practices and societal values, stating, "In the same way as we sow crop seeds, we need to examine what types of seeds we are sowing for society" .

He said that time has come for the people to introspect and retrospect as to whether they are sowing the seeds of division and hatred or that of unity, love and peace.

"Whatever you sow, you harvest.

You can't plant poppies and expect to harvest paddy.

Are we taking care of this? How can we expect to harvest without sowing seeds?" he questioned, urging the community to consider the long-term effects of their choices and actions.

He also invoked religious sentiments, asserting that "Nagalim for Christ is the extension of God's Kingdom".

He then reminded the gathering that "land, people, and politics are intrinsically connected," asserting that the Naga movement thrives due to its deep roots in land, resources, and identity.

The inaugural function of the festival was also attended by TNL president Sword Vashum, UNC president Ng Lorho, ANSAM president Th Angteshang Maring, NWU president Ch Prescilla Thiumai, NPMHR convenor Joyson Mazamo, NLAM president T Mark Khapai, TSL president Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi, TKS president Ramreichan Keishing and others.

The annual festival held under the theme "Globalising our cultural identity" will continue till March 8 .