Nagaland: Ahom-Naga cultural ties rekindled at Yonglok exchange programme in Longleng

The cultural ties between the people of Nagaland and Assam were reaffirmed on Friday, May 16, during a cross-border cultural exchange programme held at Yonglok village under Tamlu sub-division of Longleng district, Nagaland. Organised by the Phom community residing along the Nagaland-Assam border, the event was attended by political leaders and cultural groups from both states.

The programme was graced by Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, as the Special Guest, with Nagaland MLAs A Pongshi Phom as the Guest of Honour, and B Bangtick Phom as the Chief Host. The event began with an invocation by Rev H Beau Phom, Pastor of Longleng Town Baptist Church.

Addressing the gathering, Saikia extended his greetings to the Phom community ahead of Phom Day on June 6, which has been observed since 1962 to commemorate peace and harmony. He noted the Phoms’ strong Christian faith and their belief in Shang Kahvang, derived from the words Kah (Heaven) and Vang (Earth), as their supreme God.

Speaking on shared histories, Saikia said the cultural relationship between the Ahoms and the Nagas goes back centuries. Saikia narrated that, during a time of political unrest in Assam, an Ahom king sought refuge in Nagaland and married the daughter of the Wangshu king. “In Assam, she is remembered as Dalimi,” he said, adding that such stories reflect deep-rooted ties between the communities.

While emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions, Saikia urged the people of both states to support each other in times of need and allow administrative processes to resolve disputes that may arise. Differences in politics or law should never hinder cooperation, he noted, adding that the communities should work for the benefit of both Assam and Nagaland. He expressed confidence that such cultural programmes will build trust, promote peace, and bring long-term development to the region.

MLA B Bangtick Phom, in his speech, drew attention to centuries of shared experiences, beginning with the arrival of the Ahoms in the 13th century, crossing the Patkai Hills under the leadership of Sukaphaa. “They did not march into emptiness,” he said, recalling the vibrant hill societies, including the Namsangia Phoms, who engaged in both treaties and cultural exchanges with the Ahoms.

He recounted historical milestones, from the 1536 treaty under Suhungmung, to the 19th-century Burmese invasions, when the Ahoms sought shelter in Bura Namsang, and were protected by Phom communities. “Oral accounts from our elders recall how the Burmese commander, Mansingpho, was slain on these lands, perhaps even with a blade still preserved among our people. In gratitude, the Ahoms gifted idols to our forebears as signs of brotherhood forged in struggle,” he said.  ”And when the time came for the Ahoms to return to their homeland, each refugee carried a stone from Namsang, a token of gratitude. Today in Assam, it is said there lies a heap of stones at Mikhipur Assam, a silent monument to Namsang’s shelter and sacrifice.”

Turning to contemporary issues, Bangtick called for dialogue and cooperation to resolve land boundary concerns in the Namsang region, describing land as a sacred inheritance that should not become a cause for division. He urged that such cultural programmes be organised regularly to reinforce mutual respect.

MLA A Pongshi Phom noted Assam’s far-reaching cultural influence and impact among the people of its neighbouring states. He emphasized the importance of cross-cultural programmes in building mutual understanding and awareness. Pongshi also highlighted the strategic importance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, and said that road connectivity between eastern Nagaland and Assam would open up new avenues of development and integration with Southeast Asia.

He said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, efforts are being made to construct a road from Longleng-Tobu-Noklak to Myanmar to connect with the rest of the ASEAN nations.
The event also saw short speeches from W Manpai Phom, Deputy Commissioner of Longleng; Geetalee Dowerah, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar; former Assam MLA Kushal Dowari; and Mayur Burgohain, Chairman of the Tai Ahom Development Council.

Cultural performances were held throughout the day, featuring traditional dances by Tamlu, Kangching, and Shetep villages of Nagaland; Bura Namsang and Pongo cultural troupes of Nagaland; and Jeng Behu and Husori Behu groups from Assam. The programme was chaired by ADC Tamlu, T Lankonsen Tsanglao, and moderated by EAC Imkongnukla Ao.

(With DIPR inputs)

MT