Members of Tsungiki-Philimi Doyang Union are seen during the
community fishing on Saturday.
WOKHA — The
Tsungiki-Philimi Doyang Union (TPDU) marked its 25th anniversary with a grand
community fishing event at Jendong Ezhu/ Tsutsuye, an area between Tsungiki and
Philimi villages, on Saturday with Abel P Shohe, secretary of the Nagaland
Government Registered Class-I Contractors Union (NGRC-I CU), as the special
guest.
In his address, Shohe highlighted the deep-rooted heritage
of community’s fishing tradition, which dates back over a century, although the
union itself was officially formed in 2000. He emphasised the cultural and
economic significance of the celebration and encouraged Tsungiki and Philimi
villages to establish the event as a recognised festival with fixed dates and
structured programmes.
Drawing parallels with the renowned Hornbill Festival, he
suggested that formalising the event could promote tourism, preserve cultural
traditions and generate revenue. He also urged the community to invite
neighbouring villages and tribes to foster unity.
Underscoring the importance of preserving traditional
knowledge, Shohe recommended documenting the week-long preparations for the
fishing event, including gathering logs and piscicidal plant roots, to ensure
that the practice is passed down to future generations. He also stressed the
need for improved organisation, stronger regulations and environmental stewardship
to protect the rivers and natural resources.
Shohe further encouraged the community to take ownership of
scaling up the event and to explore partnerships with the government for
greater support.
TPDU chairman, Hokiye Assumi, delivered the welcome speech,
while former chairmen namely Vilhozu Wotsa and Tsenyimthung Kikon provided
insights into the historical significance of Tsungiki and Philimi’s community
fishing tradition.
The event concluded with a benediction said by Dr. Nagaho
Zhimo, pastor of Rotomi Baptist Church.
A prayer was also said by T Mhao Kikon, pastor of Tsungiki
Baptist Church, before the traditional pounding piscicidal plant roots into the
river—a symbolic act deeply embedded in the community’s cultural heritage.
Speaking to the media, Tsungiki chairman, Janthungo Kikon,
who is also the secretary of TPDU, noted that the practice of community fishing
dates back to the time of their forefathers, even before the formation of the
Sema-Lotha Union.
"This tradition was never about business; rather, it
was meant to strengthen the bond between the Semas and Lothas," Kikon
stated.
Echoing Kikon’s sentiments, head GB of Philimi, K Vikikhe
Sema, noted that the tradition has continued unchanged since time immemorial.
He emphasised the positive aspects of community fishing, highlighting how the
event provides an opportunity for individuals to bond.
People from far and near gathered to witness and participate
in the exquisite merrymaking and friendship bonding through community fishing.
