Northern Maram and Southern Angami celebrate 100 years of brotherhood at Maram Khullen.
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KOHIMA — The Northern Maram of Manipur and the Southern Angami of Nagaland commemorated 100 years of their brotherhood on Saturday at Maram Khullen Village in Manipur.
The programme was organised by the joint committee for the centenary celebration of brotherhood under the aegis of the Northern Maram People’s Organisation (NMPO) and Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO).
During the event, Angami Public Organisation (APO) president Thejao Vihienuo, in his address, asserted that the vast majority of Nagas are yearning for oneness, and for those who truly love the Nagas, nothing is more important than coming closer to one another.
Observing that Naga society today has become fragmented, with growing divisions, where leaders often choose pride over understanding and anger over patience.
He stated that what started as a movement to live as one people and one nation has led to many factions, adding that any society driven by such attitudes is bound to be divided.
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In this regard, Vihienuo urged the gathering to uphold the bond cemented by their ancestors a hundred years ago and make it an example for other Naga communities to emulate.
He encouraged the two communities to continue strengthening their ties, and also called upon them to build similar relationships with other groups.
Congratulating both tribes for charting a path for peace, he urged them to remain steadfast in supporting one another in the future.
Maram Union president P Timothy Raichuba underscored that the bond was not a colonial treaty but a legitimate indigenous accord built on mutual respect, alliance and peaceful coexistence, a spirit that has endured over the years.
He said they gathered at the centenary programme to honour 100 years since the historic brotherhood formed in 1926 at Viswema village.
He recalled that elders from both tribes had forged a sacred pact of brotherhood, pledging to stand by each other in matters of safety, protection and the overall well-being of their people, and that the bond was declared to last indefinitely.
He also appealed that this brotherhood should no longer remain limited to the Northern Maram and Southern Angami alone but should be formally embraced by the two tribes as a whole.
On the occasion, greetings were delivered by NMPO president P Karaiba Francis and SAPO president Tepul Hopovi, while Dr. Ng. Peter, convenor of the joint committee, delivered the welcome address.
Traditional blessings and exchanges were led by K. Namba, chief of Maram, and Yose Chaya, an elder from Viswema.
Highlights of the programme included the unveiling of a centenary monolith and traditional presentations by both communities.
Rev. Zapovil Sophie, senior pastor of Jakhama Baptist Church, pronounced the opening prayer, and words of gratitude were delivered by Swelul Pucho, member secretary.