The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Mokokchung (ENPUM), established in 1972, has yet to construct a guest house despite over 50 years of existence, lamented its president, Y Among Yim.
Speaking at the Advent Christmas celebration held today at Mokokchung Town Hall, Yim said, “We have so many people here but are yet to build a guest house.”
The event was jointly organized by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Mokokchung (ENPUM) and the Eastern Nagaland Churches Fellowship Mokokchung.
Mokokchung district is home to over a thousand families from the Eastern Naga community, not including students and workers who come in search of employment. According to the ENPUM president, the organization was established in 1972 and has already celebrated its 50th anniversary. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Eastern Nagas in various fields of work in Mokokchung, including stone crushing in Ungma, work shops, two-wheeler services, and taxi operations, among others.
Yim remarked that Mokokchung feels like a second home for the Eastern community and added that while many Eastern Nagas reside in other districts, they prefer to return and settle in Mokokchung.
Yim said, “We feel like it is our parents’ home,” reflecting the deep connection between the Eastern Naga community and Mokokchung. He attributed the strong bond between the communities to the Aos, who were among the first to embrace Christianity and played a significant role in bringing the faith to the Eastern Naga community.
He emphasized the importance of forgiveness among various communities to obtain unity. Lamenting government priorities, he called out festivals like the Hornbill Festival, which hosts international guests, while neglecting essential needs. He urged the gathering to bring about meaningful change in the spirit of Christmas.
Rev Sentimeren, Associate Pastor of MTBA, during his exhortation, referred to the Eastern community as an extended family. He said that the presence of the Eastern community in Mokokchung has taught the local citizens about the ‘mixture of cultures’ and has instilled unity and integrity. He also advocated for the abandonment of ‘isms,’ expressing respect and admiration for the Easterners based on three qualities: their hardworking nature, die-hard determination, and their ability to persevere through severe hardships.