Rights activist crowned Chingjaroi CV chief
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, January 17 2025: International human rights activist Gam Angkang Shimray was crowned the new village chief of Chingjaroi CV during a traditional coronation ceremony of 'Wungpam Kakhui' held at the traditional village chief's house in the village on January 15.83-year-old Raizar Angkang Shimray, the outgoing headman, passed on the headmanship to his younger brother due to his advanced age.

During the ceremony, the outgoing chief Raizar Shimray crowned Gam Shimray with the traditional Tangkhul headgear to mark the transfer of chieftainship and invoked divine blessings for smooth administration and progress of the village under the leadership of Gam Shimray.

Rights activist crowned Chingjaroi CV chief

Expressing his gratitude, Gam acknowledged his elder brother's dedicated service to the village as its headman for the last 30 years.

Speaking to the media soon after the coronation, 55-year-old Gam Shimray expressed that the value of the Tangkhul customary Wung system, starkly contrasts with liberal democracy, adding that the system is one without any party affiliations, unlike electoral politics.

"This is a good system of administration handed down by our forefathers, and we must recognise and carry it forward with honour," he stated.

Addressing concerns about balancing his new role as a village chief with his current role as a human rights activist, Gam reassured that the two responsibilities complement each other.

"Though they are two different entities with different levels of responsibilities, the vision for.

them is the same which is to secure democratic rights for our people," he explained.

Gam further highlighted the importance of strengthening the customary system of governance, asserting that it is foundational to the aspirations of the Naga people.

"No matter how far and wide we advocate for our democratic rights, unless we strengthen the foundation of our village governance, all our efforts would be in vain," he remarked.

The new chief is the eldest son of former minister late Somi A Shimray.

Gam is currently serving his second term as Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), an organisation accredited by the United Nations' ECOSOC.

With over 30 years of experience in advocating for democracy and human rights, Gam Shimray's leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the village administration.

The coronation ceremony, which was preceded by a traditional feast, was attended by Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL) president Tennyson and colleagues, chiefs from different villages, alongside TNL representatives, leaders and elders from the Angkang clan, as well as local villagers.