Following the Oting tragedy in 2021, Nagaland is set to observe the 24th Hornbill Festival with a sense of unity for the first time.
On December 4, 2021, as local, domestic, and international tourists excitedly waited to participate in the fourth day of the ongoing Hornbill Festival in Kohima, a grim incident unfolded over 300 km away in the small village of Oting in the Mon district. Six coal miners lost their lives in a botched security operation by Para Special Forces personnel of the Indian Army. Subsequent events saw villagers rushing to the site, only to face indiscriminate firing by military personnel, resulting in seven more immediate casualties and another fatality the following day during a violent protest.
In the aftermath, tribal hohos across Nagaland withdrew one after another from the Hornbill Festival, transforming the once joyous venue in Kisama into a somber space adorned with silence and black flags, symbolizing tribal mourning. The Hornbill Festival of 2021 left a bitter memory etched in the minds of the participants.
In 2022, seven tribes from six districts of Eastern Nagaland boycotted the festival, expressing their protest against the Centre’s failure to create “Frontier Nagaland.” The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) had been demanding that a new state be carved out of Nagaland state including the districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang, citing alleged negligence of the region by successive state governments over the years resulting in its backwardness.
Fast forward to 2023, the ENPO initially reaffirmed its decision to abstain from the Hornbill Festival, in accordance with their resolution of October 14, 2022. However, a shift occurred when the organization, during an emergency Central Executive Council meeting in Tsithrongse village, Chümoukedima on Wednesday decided to “relax” their stand. This decision came after a nine-member delegation of the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) contacted the ENPO leaders. The ENPO agreed to relax their decision, allowing cultural troupes to participate in the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2023.
Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, speaking at a press conference on November 24 at Imagi.Land, Kisama, Kohima, expressed gratitude for the Eastern Naga people’s assertive display of unity by participating in the Hornbill Festival 2023. He highlighted the festival’s significance as the prelude to the Silver Jubilee edition next year and emphasized witnessing “a united wonderful Nagas of Nagaland” after two years.
He thanked the Eastern Naga people for “assertively coming forward in showing the unity of the Nagas to participate in Hornbill Festival 2023.”
Chief Minister Rio, on November 23, announced the United States of America and Germany as the ‘Country Partners’ for Hornbill Festival 2023, scheduled from December 1-10, 2023, at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima. Additionally, Colombia is the ‘Country Partner’ for the Hornbill Music Festival.
Minister Temjen Imna Along, discussing the benefits of these partnerships, emphasized their positive impact on Nagaland’s industry and service sectors. He highlighted the collaborative opportunities and mutual support, noting the record number of foreign ambassadors and the participation of over 800 musicians from India and around the world. The Minister underscored that Hornbill is evolving beyond cultural showcases to foster growth in various sectors.
Acknowledging the importance of international collaboration, Minister Along mentioned the breakthrough in overcoming the alienation of Nagaland’s people. He proudly stated, “Nagas of Nagaland are known throughout the nations of the world.”
This year, Honda, Indian Oil Corporation, Pepsico, and many others are partnering with the Hornbill Festival. The festival program is yet to be finalized, and regarding the government’s expenditure, Minister Along stated that the information will be disclosed later.
In response to a query about the previous year’s government spending, Minister Along acknowledged the independent research from Kohima Science College which indicated a Rs 5 crore expenditure from the tourism department and a revenue generation of about Rs 109 crores from all services. While respecting the college’s research, Minister Along suggested that this year, the department’s statistical team would conduct a comprehensive analysis from beginning to end.
In reflection, the journey from the Oting tragedy to the unfolding events surrounding the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland paints a complex image of challenges, resilience, and evolving perspectives.
As Nagaland prepares for the 24th Hornbill Festival in 2023, the narrative weaves together moments of sorrow, protest, and, ultimately, a nuanced decision to participate.