The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Mokokchung celebrated its Golden Jubilee at the Town Hall, Mokokchung Town on 15th December, 2022 under the theme “Build a Prolific Community” with Metsübo Jamir, Minister of Rural Development as the special guest.
Gracing the occasion as a special guest, Jamir in his address said that the jubilee was like a homecoming for him because of his long association with the Eastern Naga people and that he was standing as one of their own.
The Golden Jubilee, he said, is just the commemoration of the formation of an organisation that shows the unity of the eastern Naga people, and he went on to say that the association between Ao and Eastern Naga people dates back more than 50 years.
He appreciated the eastern Naga people residing in Mokokchung who live together here in harmony and appreciated their contributions which are numerous, including the contribution of Eastern Nagas to the economy.
“The blessings we have received from the Eastern Nagas are likewise too numerous to count,” he added. Reflecting on the Church mission that brought the Aos and Eastern Naga people together, he hoped that this association would continue with God’s blessings. He also looked forward to the ENPUM platinum jubilee to celebrate with more eastern Naga people living in Mokokchung. “This is my will and my prayer,” Jamir said.
Jamir also stated that he personally and morally supports the Eastern Nagas’ demand. He further added that it is a legitimate demand, something that should have been done a long time ago. “As a Naga, I support it; nonetheless, it hurts to see the divisions among Nagas,” he stated. By God’s grace, Jamir noted, “If the demand is fulfilled, let’s part ways by holding hands and moving forward in prayer. We will bless you as well; do leave your blessings with us.”
Socially, culturally, and educationally, the Eastern Nagas are second to none, Jamir declared. He encouraged the eastern Naga people to believe that they are on par with all Nagas. He added that school infrastructure, roads, or development may be backward but as a people, the Eastern Nagas are second to none. In fact, he stated that the Eastern Nagas are intellectually far superior to the majority of Nagas. Jamir also urged the eastern Naga people not to bind themselves or tag themselves backward but to be proud of themselves. Jamir further stated that his prayers are always with the eastern Naga people.
President of ENPUM, Y Among Yim, delivered his welcome address and greeted everyone for the auspicious occasion. The morning session was chaired by Y. Achem Quicker and Müili Sangtam. The celebration commenced with the ethnic presentations of seven tribes of eastern Nagas by the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union, Mokokchung. The dedicatory prayer and scripture reading were pronounced by the pastor of Yimkhiung Baptist Church, Mokokchung, Jeeseha.
During the occasion, the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of ENPUM was released by the special guest of the occasion, Minister Metsubo Jamir.
Earlier, an obituary was made by M Sangyu Sangtam Pastor, Sangtam Baptist Church, Mokokchung, with a 30-second silent prayer for the respect of the deceased ENPUM leaders.
Brief greetings from the president of ENPO, Tsapikyu Sangtam, and members from Ao Senden; words from a pioneer by the first president of ENPUM, Langshi Khiamniungan; and a jubilee message from Rev. Chingmak Chang, Secretary, ECS, were some of the highlights of the celebration.
Rev. Chingmak Chang said that the EMPUM was celebrating its jubilee at a very critical time when the ENPO was demanding for a frontier Nagaland state. He said, “no matter how much we plan, be it about Naga solution or Frontier Nagaland, unless the Lord builds the house, the outcome might not be fruitful.”
To mark the occasion, Ms Yangtsapila also presented “It’s a Time of Great Jubilee,” a Jubilee song.
Meanwhile, Padma Shri K Asungba Sangtam, a former MP, delivered a solidarity speech that highlighted that if Eastern Nagaland got its own state or if separate administrations were allowed, “we wouldn’t be different from Nagas; we would be more indigenous. We will bond more.”
The Jubilee Choir also gave a captivating performance during the celebration, and Henli, the pastor of Phom Baptist Church, Mokokchung, graced the blessings. The first session of the ENPUM Golden Jubilee concluded with a mass jubilee feast.