The 74th Phom Day was observed in Dimapur with leaders urging the Naga community to promote peace, unity, and brotherhood.
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DIMAPUR — The 74th Phom Day was observed on Saturday at Ao Senden Riju in Dimapur on the theme “Towards the platinum, peace, beneficiaries and the obligation”. The event was organised by the Dimapur Phom Union.
Recounting the history, former Parliamentary Secretary P Dako Phom said the peace process began in the post-headhunting era with government support for church participation. A meeting of village chiefs and GBs in Longleng in 1950 resolved to set up a mission centre, leading to the establishment of the Phom Baptist Christian Association in 1952.
Backed by the government, Phom leaders, and churches, a consensus peace agreement was reached. June 6, 1952, was fixed for the final settlement and is now observed as a historic day of lasting peace. On that day, Phom leaders resolved that any village or individual violating the agreement would face united action by the whole tribe, Dako said.
As an indelible sign of solidarity on this landmark agreement, they dug an earth hole on a hillock and spat inside it. This act, performed by all the village chiefs, GBs, DBs, and elders from all the Phom villages, signified the burial of all forms of hatred, feuds, hostilities, and bitterness.
They also erected an epitaph engraved that reads: "Phom Day to witness this day, Wherein all Phoms have pledged themselves to be peaceful and loyal to government."
Also read: 74th Phom Peace Day observed in Longleng, Kohima
“When we look back to the fabric of our Nagas' social life order in the days of yore, we often wonder as to how our ancestors fabricated the most brutal crimes of raids and headhunting devoid of any form of civilisation," he said.
Consequently, Nagas have no concrete and undiluted records of their past history of origin and migrations due to the nonexistence of the art of reading and writing. However, he mentioned taking pride in their oral transmission and tradition as an infallible source.
Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election H Tovihoto Ayemi, who attended the event as the special guest, remarked that the day is not only significant but also a day to renew faith, commitment, and friendship with Nagas. He credited the Phom community for showing the path and setting a classic example of how a community coming together as one can create a peaceful environment. This message, he asserted, should be sent across the state, across different regions, and to different tribes.
Recalling the history of Nagas and Nagaland, he acknowledged that they are somehow unable to fully reach their objectives and aspirations.
Therefore, they have to unite, keep their brotherhood, and maintain their distinct identity.
“We have 17 recognised tribes. We have separate customs, separate cultures, separate traditions, and so on. We are unique. Let us use this unique identity to unite, not to divide. Let this day be a day of renewed commitment, a day of renewed friendship, and let us all strive for peace," he noted.
MLA A Pongshi Phom pointed out that Nagas lack a platform to express their feelings, sorrows, or suggestions in the Naga context. The only platform, he said, is through print media in today’s context.
Observing that everyone today is divided, he stated that as Nagas, they do not even know where they are heading anymore and lamented the loss of respect for each other.
Addressing the Naga political issue, Pongshi said the political issue is not just for the leaders but is for every Naga, as it affects everyone, while requesting transparency. He stated that they need to stop pulling each other down and start building each other up to find a solution that is honourable and acceptable to all.
MLA B Bangtick Phom, in his address, called on the youth to seek wisdom, education, and God, while urging them to preserve the culture of their community and their identity. He observed that their culture and sense of identity were disappearing.