Nagaland’s Confluence of Challenges: Hornbill Festival dilemma and deliberation to form apex Naga tribal body of Nagaland

With less than two weeks remaining until Nagaland’s much-anticipated Hornbill Festival, the state finds itself entangled in a web of challenges spanning festival participation, tribal unity initiatives, and district-specific preparations.

Hornbill Festival Dilemma and Unity Deliberations

In a recent interaction with local media outlets, A Nyamnyei Konyak, MLA & President of NPP, Nagaland, shed light on the stance of the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) regarding their participation in the upcoming Hornbill Festival. Contrary to Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization’s (ENPO) stand to abstain from the festival, Konyak stated that the ENLU has “already decided to attend” the festival. He revealed that a meeting between ENLU and ENPO is scheduled for Wednesday, during which the ENPO’s decision on participation or abstention will be clarified.

Notably, the ENPO had earlier announced its decision to abstain from the highly acclaimed Hornbill Festival. However, on November 18, the government appealed to the ENPO to reconsider its stance and participate in the festival. Sources now indicate that the ENPO “may consider” participation following a Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting, which is set to take place soon.

Unity Initiatives and Tribal Dialogues

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the Hornbill Festival, a meeting for the formation of an apex body for Naga tribal bodies in Nagaland was convened by Dr Chumben Murry, Ex-Minister, and Facilitator. The meeting, held at Hotel De Grande Bayavu in Kohima, saw the presence of legislators such as Imkong L Imchen, KG Kenye, G Kaito Aye, and Y Patton. Additionally, speeches were delivered by regional Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including Khondao Ngullie, President of Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), and Kekhwengulo Lea, President of Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), along with representatives from eight tribal organizations.

The meeting, chaired by Dr Chumben Murry, aimed at fostering unity among Naga tribal bodies in Nagaland.

Responding to the invitation of this meeting, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) expressed gratitude to Dr Chumben Murry for what it termed a “selfless initiative” aimed at fostering unity in Nagaland. The organization acknowledged the invitation to participate in this initiative.

Representing all Tribal bodies under the auspices of the ENPO, the organization disclosed that the matter was thoroughly deliberated during a Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting convened on September 8, 2023, at Tuensang HQ. Following extensive discussions, the CEC reached a resolution addressing the suggestion of forming a common platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nagaland, as proposed by a Political Adviser to the Chief Minister, Dr Chumben Murry.

The resolution stated, “The matter about a suggestion for having a common platform of CSOs of Nagaland, as suggested by a Political Adviser to the Hon’ble Chief Minister (Dr. Chumben Murry), was discussed. After thorough deliberation on the matter, it was resolved that ENPO shall always extend its fullest cooperation and come together with other Naga tribes to address any common issue confronting Naga people by representing or participating in ENPO, but not necessarily under one common platform as proposed.”

In conveying the decision made during the CEC meeting, ENPO expressed its commitment to collaborating with other Naga tribes to address shared challenges without necessarily adhering to a singular common platform. The organization conveyed this stand with an appreciation for the noble initiative and in the interest of representing the grassroots sentiments.

The ENPO thanked the organizers for their invitation and extended its anticipation for further collaboration.

District Developments for Hornbill Festival

Meanwhile, in Chumoukedima, preparations for the Hornbill Festival took a practical turn as a coordination meeting was chaired by DC Chumoukedima, Abhinav Shivam, IAS, on November 21, 2023. With a particular focus on the Dimapur-Kohima 4-lane, NH-29, and necessary measures for potential incidents, officials suggested the formation of a committee under District Disaster Management.

This committee, including NHIDCL members and contractors, aims to ensure immediate information dissemination during crucial times. Departments have been directed to submit mitigation plans for potential incidents during the festival, with the Home Guards and Medical departments providing machinery, ambulances, and manpower strategically for visitor safety.

NHIDCL was also tasked with preparing a contingency plan, reflecting the comprehensive approach adopted by Chumoukedima district to guarantee the Hornbill Festival’s success.

Mokokchung Times