Rio's Naga unity call marks Lui-Ngai-Ni
Source: The Sangai Express

Tamenglong, February 15, 2013: "Meiteis are our neighbours and they are not our enemies and we should remain it that way," said Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio.

Addressing a mammoth crowd as chief guest at the Manipur Nagas' seed sowing festival Lui-Ngai-Ni held in Tamenglong district headquarters today Neiphiu Rio said that Nagas should not treat or see the Meiteis as their enemies.

"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.

The Nagaland chief minister then donated Rs 2 lakh 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 had said on Friday that it was not informed about the Nagaland CM'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 at Tamenglong district headquarters in 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 attended the function as guest of honour and chief host respectively.

Zomi Reunification Organisation advisor K Guite, Hmar Inpui president Dr John Pulamte and Kuki Inpi Tamenglong-Jiri Zone president Jangsat Haokip attended as the special invitees.

Speaking at the occasion, UNC president L Adani urged the non-Naga communities for mutual respect of 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.

Mungchan Zimik reports from Ukhrul: Amidst the chilly and cloudy weather, the Tangkhul traditional invocation rite, Luithui Khami was performed today by Hunphun/ Ukhrul Headman HA Sarimaya at his residence, Awungtang in the presence of Village authority members and elder members of the village for bountiful blessing of the year.

The headman also unfurled the Luira (Luingaini) festival flag at the Mission ground Alungtang, Ukhrul.

According to the custom and traditional practice of the Hunphun village, the day (today) is held sacred and all activities of merrymaking are avoided.

More than 27 localities of Hunphun village will be competing in various items of traditional game like open wrestling, beauty queen contest, folk dance, tug of war, Laa khanganui, Raikhangathat, debate etc during the festival which will go on till Feb 18 .

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