Nagaland is in a state of ‘Aiatai!’: Even the church has not escaped the chains of corruption, says Rev Dr L Kari Longchar

“Nagaland is in a state of ‘Aiatai!’,” lamented Rev Dr L Kari Longchar, using the local expression of deep sorrow, at the 61st Ongpangkong Mungdang, held at Khensa village on January 17. Speaking under the theme “Be Courageous,” the prominent religious leader condemned the growing corruption in Nagaland, stressing that “even the church has not escaped the chains of corruption.”

Rev Dr Longchar, Missionary-at-Large, described Nagaland as an “opposition-less democracy,” warning that the state is on the brink of becoming a “dictatori al” regime. He expressed his disappointment over the fragmented Naga political movement, which has splintered into 26 factions without yielding any significant results. “Who will rescue the Nagas?” he asked, raising a call for action.

While addressing those challenges, he urged the Ongpangkong leaders to unite and work toward meaningful change, urging them to reinvigorate ‘Putu Menden’. He noted that the introduction of the Nagaland Village Councils Act had undermined the role of Putu Menden. “GBs are government servants,” he stated, urging Putu Menden to remain independent and not be swayed by external influences.

He also addressed a troubling “superiority complex” within Ongpangkong, which he believes has hindered its growth. “We must stop looking down on others while trying to uplift ourselves,” he said, urging the community to reconsider their historical claims.

“Calling the whole of Ongpangkong the patriarch of all Aos is incorrect,” he argued. “Ancestral villages like Ungma, Longkhum, and Mokokchung from which many villages descended, can be considered the patriarchs of those villages as they trace their roots to them. Similarly, Mopungchuket and Waromung can also rightfully be called patriarch villages, as many villages descended from them.”

The prominent leader called on the Ongpangkong people to stop dwelling on past glories and reflect on their present contributions to society. “How many pioneering figures – such as the first Chief Minister and the first graduate – have emerged from Ongpangkong?” he asked, urging them to critically assess their current role in shaping the future of Nagaland.

Rev Dr Longchar also accused Ongpangkong of being the birthplace of corruption in the state. “Corruption in Nagaland originated from Ongpangkong, and the rest followed,” he stated. “The crux of corruption lies in the election process – bogus enrollments, election violence, vote buying, and booth capturing… all of it started from Ongpangkong and we taught it to the rest,” he regretted.

He also pointed to the violence-prone nature of Ongpangkong, stating that elections are a classic example of how the region has succumbed to violence. “If we are not going to change this, then we don’t need such conferences,” he said.

Rev Dr Longchar sharply criticized the penalties frequently imposed by the Ongpangkong elders, pointing out the lack of compassion and the departure from traditional practices. He noted that, unlike in the past when forefathers never took fines home, today’s fines are often redistributed among local leaders, who use them irresponsibly for personal gain.

He called on landowners to donate land for education, healthcare, and communication, addressing the vital need for community investment in the future. Furthermore, Rev Dr Longchar urged the Ongpangkong people to choose between their historical ties to Lungterok and their spiritual commitment to God. “Lungterok is our history, but we no longer live in the past. It is time to close the chapter on Lungterok and open the gate to look beyond,” he said.

He encouraged the gathering to foster a spirit of forgiveness and unity, welcoming smaller villages as their own.

“Now is the time for change,” he said, urging the Ongpangkong public to lead the clean election movement, repent for past wrongs, and seek forgiveness from God.

Ungma Village to host 62nd Ongpangkong Mungdang

The 61st Ongpangkong Mungdang held in Khensa Village saw the unanimous acceptance of a 6-point resolution, including a proposal to host the 62nd Ongpangkong Conference at Ungma Village in 2028. One of the major resolutions was related to the naming customs within the Ao community. It was resolved that any child born to a non-Ao father and an Ao mother will not be given an Ao name.

The conference resolved to enhance ties with Ao Senden and the five other ranges, agreeing that representatives from Ongpangkong Mungdang should visit each of these communities at least once during each tenure.

In an effort to support the local economy, particularly in the handicrafts and artisan sectors, the Ongpangkong Mungdang resolved to establish connections with the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and other relevant agencies.

Additionally, the conference passed a resolution that the Ongpangkong Mungdang will not cooperate with any Naga Political Groups if any of their members are found to be engaging in illegal taxation or extortion practices against the members of Ongpangkong Mungdang.

It also resolved to repurpose the morung at Ongpangkong Salang into an office and museum.

Earlier, Nagaland MP (Lok Sabha) S Supongmeren Jamir also delivered a short speech. Other highlights of the event included OM President Lipokmeren Jamir delivering the welcome address. Greetings were shared by I Alemmeren Longchar, Chairman of the Khensa Village Council; and Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden.

Meanwhile, the Ongpangkong Mungdang also appointed the new team of office bearers for the tenure 2025-2027 as follows:

President: Alemtoshi Imsong from Ungma

Vice-president: Tinumayang from Longkhum

General Secretary: Tiawabang Walling from Khensa

Assistant General Secretary: Imtisunep from Mekuli

Finance Secretary: Takosungba Longkumer from Kinunger

Assistant Finance Secretary: Noksülemba from Chubayimkum

Treasurer: Pangernukshi Imchen of Mangmetong

A total of 281 delegates representing 40 units of the Ongpangkong Mungdang attended the conference.

MT