INTACH Nagaland Chapter installed a tourist information and heritage signage at Longkhum village to promote community participation and responsible tourism.
DIMAPUR — The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Nagaland Chapter handed over a tourist information and heritage installation to Longkhum village, Mokokchung district, on August 8 as part of an initiative to promote community participation in tourism and strengthen awareness of local heritage.
Chairing the programme, INTACH Nagaland Chapter co-convener Mefutiba Longkumer, in his introductory address, highlighted the importance of making tourism-related information accessible at the community level.
The installation is intended to serve as a resource for visitors and tourists while encouraging the local community, particularly young people, to take greater interest in the history, culture, traditions and natural heritage of the village, stated an update from INTACH Nagaland Chapter.
It also seeks to promote responsible and respectful tourism by helping visitors understand and appreciate Longkhum’s unique cultural and natural assets.
This is the second such signage installed by the INTACH Nagaland Chapter, following the first at Khonoma village in 2019.
The installation was formally handed over to Longkhum village chairman Longkhumbo Jamir in the presence of members of the village council, the Longkhum Village Tourism Committee, teachers and students.
As part of the programme, INTACH Nagaland Chapter also distributed a colouring storybook in the Ao vernacular, titled Tenemmozü Nokinketer (The Hornbill Warrior), to students.
The book introduces children to local stories, traditions and cultural knowledge through a simple and engaging format while promoting the preservation of the Ao language.
The initiative also aims to encourage children to value their heritage and recognise their role in preserving and passing it on to future generations.
INTACH Nagaland Chapter expressed hope that the installation and educational materials would serve as meaningful resources for both visitors and the local community.
The programme concluded with a call for continued cooperation among the village community, educational institutions and tourism stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism while safeguarding the heritage of Longkhum village.