Longkhum, 24 October (MTNews): Advisor of Law & Justice, Land Revenue, TN Mannen IAS (Retd), during the inauguration of the monument hall cum watchtower of Longkumtoshi Pongen at Pongen Salang, Longkhum village on 24 October 2023 urged for brotherhood and unity among clansmen and villages. He called for setting aside temporal divisions rooted in differing political principles and self-centeredness, stating that this is the only way forward for the Ao and the Nagas to progress and survive as a race.
The Advisor, while citing the example of the legendary warrior Longkumtoshi Pongen, who led his comrades to a resounding victory in the “Battle of Nokrang,” challenged the clansmen and women of the Pongener clan to shoulder the responsibility of becoming the vanguard in the path toward unity among the Ao community. The Advisor also paid a rich tribute to Longkhum village for producing many luminaries who have contributed significantly to Naga society, both in the past and the present day.
Earlier in the program, Rev T Aka Jamir, Pastor of LBC, dedicated the memorial hall cum watchtower, and the invocation was pronounced by Zulu Sor, Pastor of NCRC, Longkhum.
A brief story about Longkumtoshi Pongen was narrated by Tongpok Pongen (Tatar); Guru T Bendangwati Pongen, President of Aoli Pongen Mungdang; and C Angang, Council Chairman of Longkhum, delivered the welcome speech.
A traditional song was presented by Mejensanger, Pongen Kidong of Longkhum. Arogotsür, Alichen Baptist Arogo, and Tiasola Imchen also presented special songs marking the occasion. Words of thanks were delivered by Kikum Pongen, and Rev L Tia Jamir, Pastor of Alichen Baptist Arogo, pronounced the benediction. The program was chaired by Ongru and Adenla Pongen.