Neiphiu Rio addressing Nolopfü Day of RobvenaNi celebration
at Asufii Robvena Ground, Punanamei village of Senapati district, Manipur on
Thursday.
KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on
Thursday said that the spirit of Naga-ism should be alive in every Naga across
borders if they desire to have the future together.
He said this while addressing the Nolopfü Day of RobvenaNi
celebrated at Asufii Robvena ground in Punanamei village of Senapati district,
Manipur.
Women group performing on the occasion of Nolopfü Day of
RobvenaNi celebration at Asufii Robvena Ground, Punanamei village of Senapati
district, Manipur on Thursday.
Rio reminded that the desire of the Nagas to be together has
been expressed to the government of India, and the Nagaland Legislative
Assembly has also passed six unanimous resolutions for the integration of Naga
contiguous areas.
Nagas may be geographically divided into four states of
Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam, as well as in Myanmar, but
they hope to live under one umbrella and one government, he said.
Towards this, he said that a strong pan-Naga hoho (an apex
body) can foster the integration emotionally, socially, and culturally—if not
physically.
Through unity, Nagas will survive as a people, he added.
“What human beings can, we should do; and prayerfully we hope
that one day, as we wish and desire, we still hope that we live under one
government,” he said.
The chief minister noted that Naga people have been rendered
as minorities and divided across four states in the Indian Union as well as in
Myanmar.
However, he expressed hope that they will continue to
promote their rich culture, tradition, history, and identity, wherever they may
be.
The chief minister commended the ‘Nolopfü Day,’ a
celebration that brings back daughters who are married to men from other villages
and the in-laws together to show them love and respect.
“Such celebration of collective clan identity and cultural
pride is a vibrant example of oneness. It strengthens the bond and unity of the
community, upholding social harmony: the foundations of our tribal identity,”
Rio added.
He expressed happiness at visiting his in-law's native
village.
Losii Dikho, MLA of the Mao Assembly Constituency, said
Robvena is a community of three villages with its origin from Punanamei, whose
ancestors were called Robveo.
Currently, they are settled in three villages: Robve
Chobongho (Chowainu), Robve Solephe, and Punanamei.
The three villages used to meet from time to time but could
not get together for 36 years.
The MLA mentioned that around 800 women married to men from
other villages were invited to the celebration.
During the programme, Nolopfü (sisters wedded off to men
from other villages), high achievers and performers in their respective fields
were honoured.
Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh on Wednesday inaugurated
the three-day festival, themed ‘celebrating livelihood,’ which will culminate
on December 20.
Other highlights included folk songs and performances by
women groups in honour of Nolopfü and guests.
