Amid the Frontier Naga Territory demand by the people of Eastern Nagaland, approximately 25 km away from Mokokchung, Chuchuyimlang village showcased a spirit of kinship and community bonding among the Ao Nagas and Eastern Nagas during the Moatsü festival celebration on Thursday, 2 May 2024.
The Moatsü festival hosted by Chuchuyimlang village held at the Anü Mai Amphitheatre, featured diverse cultural performances by troupes from various Naga communities, including Ukha (Konyak), Yangpi (Chang), Yaongyimchen (Phom), and Unger (Ao), each adding their unique flair to the festivities.
The Ukha Cultural Troupe from Mon district served as poignant reminders of ancestral heritage, with references to migration narratives and the enduring spirit of unity among Naga communities. They showcased a folk dance showing that they were there to make their ancestors proud who came out like termites from “Longai Khai” or “Longtrok,” who flew like the famed hornbill birds toward the east and nestled at “Yingnye Ki” (beyond the mountains) situated in Longleng district.
The Konyak Nagas also acknowledged former pastors and teachers including Imnalepden, Takok, Lipok, Amaktoshi, Imnatoshi, and Marsosang for taking them from “darkness to light with passion and integrity.” They said they were there for their ancestral brothers to rejuvenate the feeling of unity and togetherness as they were since time immemorial.
Wongpa Konyak, president of the Ukha Students’ Union, shared his excitement to be at the Moatsü festival stating that they want to expose their culture to the rest of Nagaland. “Nagas are one,” Wongpa tells Mokokchung Times, adding that the demand for FNT stems from the necessity for basic amenities in Eastern Nagaland. “We love the Naga brothers and sisters but we are demanding our basic necessities. We stand firmly with ENPO,” he said.
Echoing Wongpa’s sentiment, members of the Ukha troupe expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Moatsü festival, underscoring the significance of cultural exchange and mutual respect among Nagas.
The Yangpi cultural troupe presented a cultural dance symbolizing the enduring bonds of friendship and coexistence between Chuchuyimlang and Yangpi. The Yaongyimchen cultural troupe presented a song and dance which was in dedication and adoration of the Moatsü festival.
A Moatsü medley was presented by Medemsanger, Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union, and a cultural performance by Aroju Club, Chuchuyimlang.
Arnab Chakrabortty, Director of Empretec India Foundation, was also present.
Ao Sanen Pongen, Chairman of Chuchuyimlang Village Council, emphasized the village’s longstanding tradition of inclusivity, stating, “Our celebration of Moatsü has always been unique, as we welcome neighboring villages and Naga tribes to join us.” This year, amidst the festivities, Chuchuyimlang village also marked a significant milestone by laying the foundation stone of Yaküki HiEERA Development Projects Private Limited, establishing it as India’s first HiEERA village.
The event also had Kekhrievor Kevichusa IPoS, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland as special guest and P Tokugha Achumi, Director of Industries and Commerce, who expressed his support for the HiEERA project. Kevichusa called the celebration a “community bonding,” adding that today he learned, “Celebration of Moatsü is not limited to village, communities, and cultural extravaganza”. “The show of unity and friendship is what we can learn from each other,” Kevichusa said.