Chuchuyimlang Village celebrates Moatsu Festival with cultural unity as Yanthungo Patton urges resolution to Naga political issue.
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DIMAPUR — Chuchuyimlang village erupted in vibrant festivity on Friday as it celebrated the Moatsu festival with deep cultural reverence.
Traditionally dedicated to honouring the gods of nature and seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest, this year’s celebration served as a powerful platform for cultural exchange and a call for political solidarity, a DIPR report stated.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton expressed gratitude for the warm reception and extended Moatsu greetings to the Ao community.
The deputy CM paid tribute to Ao pioneers such as P Shilu Ao, Dr. T Ao, and Dr. SC Jamir, acknowledging their monumental contributions to Naga society, Christianity, politics, and sports.
Also read: Rio extends Moatsü greetings, highlights unity and renewal
Underscoring the urgency of the Naga Political issue, Patton reminded the public that the current "Oppositionless Government" was specifically formed to expedite a resolution.
He made a clarion call to tribal leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the Naga Political Groups to unite.
“I specifically urge the Naga Political Groups to unite and resolve the issue with the Government of India,” he said.
He further appealed church leaders to sensitise their members against election violence and to champion the cause of "Clean Elections."
The festival witnessed a unique display of Naga brotherhood, with participation from 19 villages across the Mon, Tuensang, and Longleng districts.
Patton expressed his delight at seeing these tribes celebrate together and urged the gathering to pray for the health and leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, lauded the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.
He echoed the sentiment of honouring Ao leaders and expressed optimism that the community would remain a driving force in Nagaland's development. He stressed the vital importance of "preserving, protecting, and promoting" Naga culture in a changing world.
The celebration, attended by a host of ministers, advisors, MLAs, DGP Nagaland and senior state officials, featured a grand showcase of traditional dances and folk songs, concluding with a community feast that embodied the spirit of joy, unity and thanksgiving.
Minister Along at Longpayimsen Village
Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, attended the inaugural programme of the two-day Moatsü-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival at Longpayimsen Village, Mokokchung district, on Friday.
Speaking at the programme, the minister said Moatsü being the festival for seeking blessings for bountiful harvest, people should also seek for peace and prosperity in the land.
Stating that fusion of faith and culture is indispensable, the minister maintained that the present generation is losing the culture of hard work and called upon the gathering to come back to their roots and continue to derive strength from their tradition and culture.
Appreciating the people of Longpayimsen Village for their efforts in organising the Moatsü festival, Along said that the festival should be a new beginning with a new vision for the entire people of Tsürangkong Range.