The two-day commemoration of the Aoli Longchar platinum jubilee in Khensa village, which began on November 7, 2024, concluded on Friday evening, November 8, with a noteworthy resolution adopted to further research their origins beyond Longtrok in greater depth and detail. The Aoli Longchar clan also resolved to reach out to tribes from whom they separated at Khezhakeno.
In line with the theme “Longchar Ayak Asüngsashi” (Restrengthening Longchar Identity), the clan committed to preserving their traditional heritage and legacy, blending tradition, culture, and modern research to make the jubilee a success. Members of the Longchar clan attended the event from 31 villages, out of the 37 Ao villages where Longchar clan members reside.
I Nangshi Longchar, Ex-President of Aoli Longchar Mungdang, in his brief exhortation, urged attendees to uphold the adopted resolution: although the Longchars have many sub-clans, only the title “Longchar” should be used beyond one’s village gate (Sungkum). He also dispelled misconceptions about marriage customs, clarifying that the Longchar clan can marry into any Ao clan. Further, he shared findings from years of research showing that the clan has spread into various Naga regions, becoming known as Tsürami among the Angamis, Limathung among the Lothas, and other names following their dispersion from Khezhakheno.
He encouraged the Longchar clan to elevate the name Longchar on a global stage and urged research scholars to explore the migration of the Longchar clan more deeply.
Similarly, I Akang Longchar, a 90-year-old elder, encouraged the youth to reconnect with those who share ethnic ties with the Longchar clan, be it in Meluri or even Thailand.
Sentisüngla Longchar, an Assistant Professor and Teacher-in-charge at the Department of Psychology, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, emphasized the importance of identity but advocated for embracing a broader, international perspective. She reflected on how symbols like the Ao shawl and necklaces hold deep meaning but stressed that stepping beyond these identifiers and integrating into a larger global context is vital, noting, “We live comfortably here, but when we go outside with an ST tag, we often face discrimination.”
She urged parents to foster a broader mindset in their children, challenging the community to view themselves as equals on the global stage. She noted a lack of students pursuing fields like MBA, finance, management, commerce, economics, statistics, and mathematics, encouraging students to consider these subjects.
“Our vision shouldn’t be limited to just passing exams. Why can’t we dream of our children reaching the Olympics?” she challenged, proposing that the Longchar clan should plant seeds for such aspirations.
She also suggested forming a “Longchar International Scholar Association” or “Longchar Scholars Association” and initiating a “Longchar International Journal.” Stressing the need for strong political leaders, she noted the lack of prominent Ao political figures and expressed hope that Longchars could produce a leader who can speak confidently and assertively.
On entrepreneurship, she observed that the Aos lack a significant business figure and questioned whether the Longchar clan could produce a business tycoon. “Guiding our youth toward entrepreneurship is essential. Our children need proper direction on how to conduct business,” she said.
Addressing the migration of Ao people to Dimapur for more accessible land, she challenged the Longchar clan to consider building businesses in Mokokchung itself. “Let’s create a township. Can we envision this?” she asked, noting that the border areas with Assam have potential to become thriving townships.
The jubilee also adopted a plan to establish a corpus fund. It was agreed that the office bearers of the Aoli Longchar Mungdang would identify significant sites—such as Khezakhenoma, Longjendi’s site in Chungliyimti, and Chungtia village, where the first Ao Longchar convention was held—to commemorate with monuments.
The program was chaired by the office bearers, with a brief speech delivered by N Bendang on behalf of the Village Council Chairman, Lirmen. Watimeren Longchar, convenor of the planning committee, offered the vote of thanks, and prayers were led by Sentikumba Longchar and Rev K Temjen Longchar. A Sobaliba Ken (folk song) was presented by the Aoli Longchar Kohima Unit. Dr Imkongmeren Lonchar, Convenor Pangzüng Luden (resolution committee) read out the jubilee resolution.