Mokokchung, 20 February (MTNews): Aiming at strengthening clan relationships, a kinship or peace treaty between the Metsübo clan of Longsa Village and the Jamir clan of Ungma Village was observed at Longsa Village in the presence of Dr SC Jamir, Metsübo Jamir, and Alemtemshi Jamir today, an update received here said. The kinship truce, traditionally practiced as ‘Aksü’ by the Ao Nagas, will conclude on 21 February with a ‘signing ceremony’ involving both clans from the two villages, the update said.
In his address concerning the Longsa Metsübo Clan and Ungma Jamijang, Dr SC Jamir highlighted the traditional relationship between these two clans. He traced its origins back to a significant historical context, notably amidst the prevalence of headhunting practices and inter-village warfare in the Ao area. Despite conflicts among Ao villages, Longsa and Ungma maintained a remarkable bond. Dr. SC Jamir attributed this to the decision of his grandfather, Jungshinokdang, and Longsa Village’s grandfather, Alemsosang, who resolved to uphold friendship, peace, and harmony between the two villages to ensure control over the Ao area. He emphasized that the tradition of observing a friendship festival has persisted since their great-grandfathers’ time. He underscored the need to adapt and strengthen the relationship in the contemporary context, emphasizing peace, harmony, and cooperation not only between the two villages but throughout the entire Ao area and among the Nagas as a whole. He urged everyone to uphold the treaty with conviction and strength, aligning with the vision of their forefathers.
Representatives from Ungma Village and Longsa Village, Onentiba and Yashikaba respectively, shared the brief background of the friendship treaty between the Ungma Jamijang Clan (Ungma) and the Metsübo Clan (Longsa).
They informed that Jungshinokdang from Ungma Village and Alemsosang from Longsa Village forged a strong friendship in the 1880s to strengthen the bond between the two clans; the Metsübo Clan then visited Ungma in 1985 for strengthening the kinship. Now, after 39 years, the Jamijang Clan of Ungma Village is reciprocating by visiting Longsa Village to reinforce the kinship bond.
In his address, Onentiba from Ungma Village emphasized that the forefathers established the kinship treaty to foster better relationships, urging the younger generation to uphold its sanctity. He highlighted that the truce was built on a solemn vow to refrain from harming or warring with each other, serving as a bridge to foster goodwill between the two clans.
Similarly, Yashikaba from Longsa Village expressed that the kinship treaty aims to benefit the youths of both villages. He noted that there are three kinds of peace treaties and believed that the kinship treaty would yield positive outcomes in the years ahead. He encouraged the younger generation to uphold it for the future.
Traditional folk songs were sung, celebrating mutual embrace and praise as participants walked through the village road (yimdongmak), visiting the residences of village leaders and in-laws (kimak).