KOHIMA — Legislator
and chairman of DPDB Longleng, A Pongshi Phom, on Friday lamented that the
proliferation of factions and unions in Nagaland is creating disunity among the
Nagas, and questioned who will unite the Nagas.
Emphasising the need for someone to take the lead in
fostering unity, the MLA asked who would step forward to bring the Nagas
together.
Pongshi was addressing the 73rdPhom Day celebration, organised by the Phom
Union Kohima, at State Academy Hall, Kohima.
A Pongshi Phom with community elders and others during the
the Phom Day celebration at State Academy hall, Kohima, on Friday. (EM Images)
He recalled June 6, 1953, as a turning point for the Phom
community, marking their pledge of loyalty to the government, abandonment of
headhunting practices, and pursuit of unity.
Noting the Phom community’s late adoption of education, he
however said that the arrival of Christianity marked a turning point towards
progress. He added that most Phom churches haven't yet reached their 75th
anniversary.
Brushing aside rumours and negative feedbacks, Pongshi
reassured that the 60 MLAs united to form a cohesive government in Nagaland,
putting aside opposition for the state's benefit.
Highlighting numerous problems causing setbacks in the
state, he urged everyone to foster respect and better understanding.
According to P Imti Phom, president of Phom Union Kohima,
June 6 marks Phom Day, a significant annual celebration for Phoms worldwide.
The day commemorates the historic 'Peace Making Day' on June
6, 1952, marking the end of hostility and headhunting, and ushering in an era
of peace, unity, and reconciliation for the Phom community, he said.
Toshi Chang, president of Eastern Nagaland People's Union
Kohima, called for introspection, noting that while headhunting's physical
battles have ceased, verbal sparring, pride, and divisions persist, urging
people to rethink peace.
He reminded that “peace today must mean reconciliation not
just with the enemies of the past but with the differences between us today.
He reminded that peace isn't inherited, but built each
generation, and urged youths to redefine peace and promote it among all Nagas.
Thejao Vihienuo, president of Angami Public Organisation
(APO), encouraged the Phom community not only to seek government jobs, but come
to the capital and venture into business big or small.
Reminding that the business sector in Kohima is mostly
captured by non-locals, he encouraged the community to start small trades to
recapture the market and economy, highlighting opportunities beyond government
jobs.
The APO president also shared that one of our major concerns
of APO is Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBIs). “They didn't come by accident,
but it was deliberate plan to capture the NE states. So together, we must
overcome this issue”, he stated.
Further, he advised Phom officers and established members to
invest back home, contributing to their tribe's development rather than
forgetting their root.
Phom Day observed in Longleng
The 73rd Phom Day (Peace Day) was also celebrated at public
ground, Longleng town, on the theme ‘Peace within, Peace beyond,’ with B
Bangtick Phom, MLA, as the special guest and Deputy Commissioner of Longleng, W
Manpai Phom, as guest of honour.
According to a DIPR report, the special guest unfurled the
Phom Day flag, which was followed by the singing of the Phom Day anthem.
In his address, Bangtick remarked that the current generation
is truly fortunate to enjoy the fruits of peace, nurtured by the visionary
leadership of the past. Their courageous and selfless efforts laid the
foundation for harmony in our society. It is because of their foresight that we
can celebrate this as Phom Peace Day, he said.
“He emphasised that the day is not just a celebration but a
reminder of the responsibility we 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,” the report stated.
