In the lead-up to Nagaland’s much-anticipated Hornbill Festival, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, made an appeal to the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) and the residents of the eastern region. He emphasized the importance of unity and participation in the Hornbill Festival, reinforcing that it is a celebration of the Nagas of Nagaland as a whole.
“I too am a Naga just like the rest of the Nagas are on the eastern part of our state and I appeal to the Eastern Naga People’s Organization, eastern families, brothers, and sisters that the Hornbill Festival is a festival of the Nagas of Nagaland,” Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along told the media today as was reported by India Today NE.
Minister Along’s appeal comes at a crucial juncture, as Nagaland readies itself for the Hornbill Festival, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. However, the festivities are overshadowed by the unresolved issue of ENPO’s demand for “Frontier Nagaland.” There is growing speculation that ENPO might once again boycott the festival this year, as it did in the past.
Recalling the previous Hornbill Festival, no participants from the eastern region took part in the ten-day celebration, in protest against the central government’s failure to create the proposed “Frontier Nagaland” state. ENPO has been at the forefront of a “people’s movement” advocating for the formation of Frontier Nagaland, which involves separating six districts, namely Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang, from Nagaland. This demand is rooted in the perception of eastern Nagaland’s alleged underdevelopment.
Minister Along further stressed, “It is our duty to showcase our unity through the Hornbill Festival with its rich traditions. Hence I appeal to all the Nagas of the eastern part of the state to come forward and participate with zeal and passion.”
The Hornbill Festival, a cherished cultural event, is held annually from December 1st to 10th and is one of Nagaland’s most prominent celebrations. It provides a platform for the state’s diverse tribes and sub-tribes to promote and share their unique cultures.
Disclaimer: This news article was written by Mokokchung Times with inputs from sources as cited.