ENPO request submitted to Government of India, says Patton
The inaugural programme of the Poanglüm Mini Hornbill Festival, organised by Chang Khulei Setshang, was held at the Parade Ground, Tuensang, on 13th January 2026, with Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton attending as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Y. Patton conveyed Poanglüm greetings to the Chang community and expressed gratitude for being invited to the celebration. He noted that Tuensang is considered a “mini Nagaland” where many tribes coexist, and praised the Chang community for promoting peace and harmony among the district’s communities. He emphasised that as a historical district, it is important to preserve and celebrate the rich culture and traditions of the community through festivals like Poanglüm. He also highlighted that the demand of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) has been forwarded to the Government of India.
Other highlights of the festival included a welcome address by Chief Host P. Bashangmongba, Minister of Housing and Mechanical Engineer; the heralding of the festival by Yimkong Simba; a theme exposition by W. Chingmak, Executive Chairman of CKS; Poanglüm voice by Auching; and invocation by Rev. Achu Chang, ES CBLT.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, C.L. John; Advisor for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Kazheto Kinimi; Advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, A. Pangjung Jamir; and MLAs Neiba Konyak, Lima Onen, and Imtichuba Chang, among other dignitaries.
The festival featured log pulling, cultural presentations, and indigenous games, including tug of war and wrestling.
