The 7th general conference of the Longpok Semchir Telongjem held at Yimtsüngta Arok Sapang, Ungma culminated this evening. Tabling of various reports, discussion on them and adoption of resolutions were the chief features of the valedictory session of the 2-day conference.
One of the main highlights of the session was the adoption of resolutions wherein it was resolved after a prolonged discussion to firmly uphold the cultural exogamy of the descendants of the common progenitor Longpok. Resolving to maintain the exogamous marriage system, the house adopted the resolution to disallow endogamous marriages between and among the 7 clans of Longpok. The seven clans are Longkumer, Lemtur, Mollier, Nokdir, Ajemer, Walling and Longchar. This resolution was in reiteration of similar resolutions adopted during the previous two successive conferences of the Longpok Semchir Telongjem.
Notably, it was resolved that those marriages that had happened prior to today’s resolution have been absolved and that they would not be bound by the latest resolution. “It was resolved and adopted in the conference by show of hand that, from this day the 13th of February 2023 on, descendants of Longpok shall not practice endogamous marriage,” the translation of the resolution read. Further, it was also resolved that the resolution shall be widely published in the media and that the same shall be intimated to all the Ao churches as well as ABAM.
Other resolutions adopted by the conference included a household-wise collection of monetary donations to raise funds for the construction of the Longpok Semchir Telongjem building. The house also resolved to felicitate successful “UPSC first-grade” achievers from members of the Longpok clans as well as publication of the book on genealogy of the Longpok descendants.
The conference also agreed to reappoint the present team of officer bearers of the Longpok Semchir Telongjem for the next tenure (2023-2026). Except for the treasurer, all others were retained.
Earlier in the day, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly exhorted the conference while short speeches were also delivered by S Chuba Longkumer, former Parliamentary Secretary, as well as the president of Longjakrep Semchir Mungdang.
Elangtsür, the women of Longpok descent of Ungma village presented a folk song while Aochuba, elder of Longsa village, spoke on the topic “Lipok tamendakdak arangshi.” This was followed by the traditional bonding of ‘Kimak’ and a mass feast.
Longpok Semchir Telongjem Office Bearers, 2023-2026
President : K Nokmarenba (Longsa)
Vice President : Imnekenba (Longjang)
General Secretary : Imkongnungba Lkr (Merangkong)
Joint Secretary : Bendangwapang (Waromung)
Finance Secretary : Lanuwapang (Khar)
Asstt Finance Secretary : Amongsang (Longkhum)
Treasurer : Imotemjen (Chungtia)