Unity is ultimate goal, says Rio at Kohima Lotha Hoho golden jubilee

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that unity remains the ultimate goal and called upon all Naga tribes to stand together so that no challenge can weaken their shared destiny. He expressed confidence that the Nagas, as a people, will continue to survive and grow from strength to strength.

He was speaking at the golden jubilee event of Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) held at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima.

Rio extended greetings to the Lotha community on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and the Tokhu Emong festival.

He lauded the KLH for bringing together not only the Lotha community but also tribal leaders and well-wishers from other communities, describing it as a reflection of unity and oneness.

Paying tribute to the pioneers and elders of the KLH, formed in 1975, the chief minister praised their vision in building “a home away from home” and for preserving the tribe’s rich culture and traditions while serving as a bridge between village life and urban society.

“We salute the pioneers and elders who had the vision to protect and guide us thus far. I hope we will leave a legacy that continues to inspire and guide the younger generations,” Rio said.

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The chief minister also recalled his long friendship with the Lotha community, expressing hope that the bond would continue—not only personally but also between the Angami and Lotha communities—through mutual respect, kinship, intermarriages, and cultural understanding.

He maintained that the Lothas’ presence in Kohima forms part of a long history of trade, education, business, and public service, and expressed optimism that such brotherhood would be shared among all Naga tribes. “When a forest stands together, no storm can break it,” he remarked.

Rio highlighted that Wokha district, home of the Lothas, is blessed with fertile land, rich natural resources, and hardworking people.

He pointed out that rivers from the district feed hydroelectric projects and that its forests are home to the world-famous Amur falcons roosting at Doyang River, now a major attraction for tourists and researchers.

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He said that Wokha records the highest per capita income in the state, as per the State Human Development Index, and cited the recent Banana Festival as an example of the district’s agricultural potential.

The chief minister commended Lotha farmers, officers, and community leaders for their innovation, value addition, and use of local fibres.

Rio also called Wokha the “land of plenty,” urging other tribes to emulate the Lothas’ progress and self-reliance.

Highlighting the tribe’s cultural heritage, he said Lotha songs, dances, shawls, and designs reflect a vibrant past. Referring to the book “Oying Motsü – The Story of Our Threads” by Abeni TCK, which documents Lotha attire and patterns, he encouraged all tribes to preserve and document their cultural heritage and pursue Geographical Indication (GI) tags for traditional crafts and ethnic cuisines.

He further highlighted the growing popularity of Lotha cuisine and commended the community for its contributions to government, society, and Kohima’s development.

Expressing hope for lasting peace in Nagaland, Rio urged all tribes to cooperate and focus on development rather than “small conflicts,” and to work collectively toward progress.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who hosted the event, urged the Lotha community to prioritise their mother tongue and called upon the youth to strive for excellence with the perseverance of their forebears.

“For fifty remarkable years, the KLH has served as a bridge of unity, wisdom, and community spirit— nurturing harmony among generations and guiding the Lotha people with vision and strength,” Patton said, paying tribute to the pioneers whose foresight laid the foundation for the hoho’s journey.

He also advised students to use mobile phones responsibly for constructive purposes and focus on academics.

On the sidelines of the event, Chief Minister Rio launched Sentienla Ezung’s book “The Divine in the Ordinary.”