Mangmetong 'A' Khel and Okotso village meet to fortify historic ties

MOKOKCHUNG — Mangmetong 'A' Khel Putu Menden and the Okotso Village Council held their triennial meet to reaffirm its longstanding camaraderie at Senden Riju in Mangmetong village on October 30.

The gathering, steeped in tradition, sought to nurture and reinforce the deep-rooted bonds that have defined the relationship between the neighbouring villages for generations, fostering a shared legacy of mutual support and cultural synergy.

MLA and advisor of Information and Public Relations (IPR) and Soil and Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, who attended the occasion, highlighted the exemplary model of peaceful coexistence between Okotso (Lotha) and Mangmetong (Ao).

"From time immemorial, the people of these villages have thrived in harmony, a testament to the enduring power of unity," Imchen said. He portrayed the event as more than a ritualistic assembly but a living emblem of how interconnected communities could sustain progress through collaborative spirit.

Also read: Advisor Imkong L Imchen calls for unity, warns against tribalism at Mangmetong–Okotso meet

He also expressed concern over the rising specter of tribalism, a divisive force he described as a "serious social menace" eroding the very foundations of societal cohesion.

"Tribalism sows seeds of mistrust and division, undermining our collective progress and weakening the fabric of unity," he warned and called for a resolute stand against such a narrow mindset.

"We must eradicate tribalism in all its forms through a united front," Imchen urged, while envisioning an inclusive society where true development and lasting peace flourish.

Reflecting on his own journey as a public servant, Imchen shared insights from his stints across various government departments. "I have always strived for firmness in decision-making, shunning favoritism at every turn," he confided.

He advocated meritocracy as the bedrock of governance, insisting it should permeate all policies and appointments.

"Only when merit guides our actions can we build institutions that serve everyone equitably," he asserted.

The afternoon session transitioned into a productive joint deliberation, chaired by Dr. Longri Jamir, chairman of Mangmetong 'A' Khel Putu Menden. The house, comprising elders, council members and community representatives from both villages, reached unanimous consensus on several forward-looking resolutions aimed at tangible collaboration.

Foremost among them was the commitment to erect a multi-purpose community building and a friendship monolith at the shared boundary intended to stand as an enduring marker of mutual respect and shared heritage.

To deepen interpersonal ties, the councils resolved to launch a cultural exchange programme between the two villages with an objective to strengthen bond of friendship and fostering understanding between the two communities.

Environmental stewardship emerged as another pillar in the joint resolution, with the reaffirmation of a biodiversity conservation pact. The assembly endorsed a comprehensive ban on hunting, to be rolled out uniformly after village-level consultations to preserve the ecosystems that sustain both communities.

In a lighter yet symbolic gesture of harmony and cooperation between Okotso and Mangmetong vein, plans were greenlit for a community fishing event along the Chubi/ Tsudi River.