Moatsü Festival 2025: CM Rio lauds Ao legacy; highlights unity and Naga heritage

The second day of the Moatsü Festival 2025 (Mini Hornbill) was celebrated with a civic reception in honour of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on 2nd May 2025.

Speaking during the festival, Dr. Neiphiu Rio thanked the Ao community for pioneering education, religion, and many other aspects of Naga society. He appreciated the Ao community for being pioneers and that all tribes look up to them and hoped they will continue to carry forward the legacy.

Speaking about the richness of Naga culture, customs, and traditions, he mentioned that despite being referred to as “savages” and “naked” during British rule, the British did not interfere with the Naga way of life. Hence, historical measures like the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFRA) of 1873 and the provisions of the Inner Line Regulation were implemented, allowing the rural administrative system of the Nagas to remain intact.

He noted that even after independence, this legacy continues in the form of Article 371A.

Referring to Nagaland’s customary law, Rio stated that disputes concerning Naga customary laws and procedures have been settled accessibly and affordably through village-level courts, up to Dobashi courts.

He encouraged Nagas to take this significant festival as an opportunity to reflect on the richness of their customs.

The CM also said that there were too many issues and too many organizations and that the government is studying to “control” these organizations. On the Naga political issue, the Chief Minister stated that many divisions, multiple factions, and civil society groups, “both overground and underground,” have been stumbling blocks to achieving an honourable solution. Therefore, he urged the Nagas to remain united.

Rio also announced Rs 10 crores for development of Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

(With inputs from DIPR)

MT