Metsübo and Jamijang clans renew friendship bond

DIMAPUR — Aiming at strengthening relationships, a friendship or peace treaty between the Metsübo clan of Longsa village and the Jamir clan of Ungma village was observed in Longsa village in the presence of Dr. SC Jamir, Metsübo Jamir and Alemtemshi Jamir on Tuesday.

The friendship treaty will conclude on February 21 with a signing ceremony involving both clans from the two villages.

In his address, Dr. Jamir highlighted the traditional relationship between the Longsa Metsübo clan and Ungma Jamijang. He traced its origins back to a significant historical context, notably amid the prevalence of headhunting practices and inter-village warfare in the Ao area, an update from the organisers stated.

Despite conflicts among Ao villages, Longsa and Ungma maintained a remarkable bond, stated Dr. Jamir. He attributed this to the decision of his grandfather, Jongshinokdang and Longsa village's grandfather, Alemsosang, who resolved to uphold friendship, peace, and harmony between the two villages to ensure control over the Ao area.

Emphasising that the tradition of observing a friendship festival has persisted since their great-grandfathers' time, he underscored the need to adapt and strengthen the relationship in the contemporary context not only between the two villages but throughout the entire Ao area and among the Nagas as a whole.

He further urged everyone to uphold the treaty with conviction and strength, aligning with the vision of their forefathers.

Representatives from Ungma village and Longsa village namely Onentiba and Yashikaba shared the brief background of the friendship treaty between the Ungma Jamijang clan of Ungma village and the Metsübo clan of Longsa village.

They informed that Jungshinokdang from Ungma village and Alemsosang from Longsa village forged a strong friendship in the 1880s to strengthen the bond between the two clans.

In his address, Onentiba from Ungma village urged the younger generation to uphold its sanctity. He highlighted that the treaty was built on a solemn vow to refrain from harming or warring with each other, serving as a bridge to foster goodwill between the two clans.

Similarly, Yashikaba from Longsa village expressed that the peace treaty aims to benefit the youths of both villages. He noted that there are three kinds of peace treaties and believed that the friendship treaty would yield positive outcomes in the years ahead. He further encouraged the younger generation to uphold it for the future.