MLA Bangtick addresses Phom Day celebration in Longleng

• DIMAPUR — The 73rd Phom Day (Peace Day), marking the end of the headhunting era in the Phom area and the beginning of peace and harmony among the Phom, was celebrated on the theme "Peace within, peace beyond" on June 6 at the public ground in Longleng.
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• MLA B Bangtick Phom was the special guest, and Deputy Commissioner of Longleng W Manpai Phom was the guest of honour at the event, according to a DIPR report.
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  B Bangtick Phom delivering a message at the 73rd Phom Day held at the public ground, Longleng, on June 6.

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• Bangtick, unfurling the Phom Day flag, delivered the Phom Day address and remarked that the current generation is truly fortunate to enjoy the fruits of peace, nurtured by the visionary leadership of the past.
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• He emphasised that the day is not just a celebration but a reminder of the responsibility they carry to uphold and nurture peace. He reminded everyone that Phom people have long been recognised as peace-loving. The world sees them as peacekeepers, but it is equally important that they also be seen as peace practitioners, those who live by and actively promote peace.
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• He urged the people to reflect on whether they are truly upholding the legacy of peace established by past leaders or merely acting as passive observers of their sacrifices.

Also read: 72nd Phom Day observed in Longleng

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• Concerns were raised over ongoing divisions within the community. Despite decades of peace, issues such as misunderstandings, internal conflicts, and disunity continue to persist. Land disputes, boundary disagreements, and ownership conflicts were highlighted as major obstacles to progress. MLA Bangtick stressed that the celebration would hold little significance unless the community embraces forgiveness, reconciliation, and a genuine effort to resolve these lingering issues.
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• He made a call for individuals to take the first step—whether by returning what is not rightfully theirs or by extending forgiveness.
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• DC Manpai, in his address, highlighted progressive peacekeeping and extended his heartfelt greetings on the joyous occasion. He reflected on the courage and wisdom of these pioneers, reminding the gathering that progress must continue in all areas of life. He further emphasised the need to move forward in step with the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world.
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• As a society, Manpai urged the people to commit to encouraging development that is sustainable and inclusive and to think beyond individual gain and work for the good of the whole community.
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• Regarding education, he urged the people to continue to support and recognise students who excel and to stand against human violence in all forms and actively support women’s empowerment.
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• Additional Superintendent of Police Longleng, H Hiatwa Irulu, in his solitary message, stressed the importance of uniting in the commitment to promote peace and harmony and urged acknowledging the courage and resilience of those who have worked tirelessly to resolve conflicts between the Phom community in Phom-land.
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• A message on the significance of Phom Day was delivered by the president of the Phom People's Council, YB Angam Phom, and a message addressing the occasion was given by the Phom Day Commission convenor, Nuklu Phom.