Retrospection, resurgence and cohesion beckons Ao Nagas as Moatsü celebrations begin

The three-day celebration of Moatsü, the post seed sowing festival of the Ao Nagas, organized by the apex Ao Senden got underway here today at Imkongmeren Sports Complex with MLA Nuklutoshi as the guest of honour.

Addressing a mammoth gathering attending the premier festival, Nuklutoshi said that Moatsü should be a time for retrospection and resurgence. He lamented that the community was losing most of its traditional practices and cultural values including agriculture and indigenous knowledge systems.

The NPP MLA and former minister also expressed concern over the current Naga political situation and requested the gathering to consider what sort of fate they were leaving the younger generations.

He bemoaned how the Naga Political Solution was overlooked during the election, leaving the GoI confused as to whether the Nagas desired solution or election.

“Nagas have the right to self-determination and freedom. Flag and constitution are just a part of it. But we must not forget that we are part of the Indian Union. We must recognize that we must reach a political solution with the Government of India,” he said.

He stated that the NSCN-IM’s demand for flag and constitution is valid and that all Nagas support it, but he emphasized the importance of understanding that Nagas are under the Union of India and so must comprehend it.

He went on to ask on what status are the people holding the ‘Agreed Position’ of the NNPGs and emphasized that Naga people should think about the NNPGs because they have already tabled the terms of agreement with the GoI.

Stating that the NNPGs, like everyone else, have families and loved ones and that they, too, require means for their survival, the MLA stated that the GoI or Government of Nagaland should provide them with subsistence. He suggested the citizens consider requesting a package from the GoI.

Nuklutoshi on why Mokokchung’s population has been dropping

The MLA also delved into some of Mokokchung’s concerns and observed that the population of Mokokchung has been steadily dropping. He recalled that Mokokchung was allotted ten Assembly constituencies “not out of greed of our leaders then,” but because it was proportionate to the population at the time.

However, he noted that the population of Mokokchung has decreased by about 38,000 since the 2011 Census. He attributed the drop to census and electoral roll manipulation during elections, as well as what he called an ‘economic crisis’ prompting outbound migration.

He added that this migration is contributing to a decrease in the district’s population which is negatively affecting not only the economy but is also politically disadvantageous.

Citing an example, he said his native Chuchuyimlang village has about 500 households, whereas there are over 800 Chuchuyimlang households in Dimapur, showing that there is an uneven migration from Mokokchung to Dimapur or other cities.

“Migration occurs for survival and economic reasons,'” he said, adding that abandoning traditional farming practices was one major factor for the migration.

“After abandoning agriculture, people naturally start looking for another source of livelihood; so people migrate to other places in search of economic opportunities,” he said, urging people to think about such matters carefully and reflect on them.

Nuklutoshi also advocated for cohesion among the Ao Naga community and stated that the 11 legislators from the community in the present Nagaland assembly have resolved among themselves cutting across party lines to forge a common front in the interest of the community.

Other highlights of the program included the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sashank Pratap Singh, IAS delivering Moatsü greetings and the Jangpetkong Senso Telungjem Mokokchung Town presenting a Moatsü folk song.

The program was chaired by Sashimeren Jamir, welcome address delivered by R Ayim Longkumer, and invocation pronounced by Kikum Longkumer, Pastor, Kumlong Baptist Church.

Later, as part of the celebration, the guest of honor declared the indigenous games competition open, which included tug-of-war, pole climbing and bamboo stilt race competition between the 18 wards of Mokokchung town. Alempang and Kumlong ward won the pole climbing competition in first and second positions respectively, while Alempang and Yimyu emerged first and second place winners in the bamboo stilt race competition.

In the tug-of-war, the semi-final and final matches of both men’s and women’s categories will be played on May 2. In the men’s category, Alempang is pitted against Mongsenbai while Salangtem is pitted against Sungkomen. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Artang is pitted against Sangtemla while Alongmen is pitted against Alempang.

Funfair and food stalls are also open at the venue adding more festive fervor to the Moatsü celebrations.

Day-two of the Moatsü celebration will also witness cultural dance competition between the six ranges of Mokokchung district and it will be graced by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio as chief guest and Minister of RD and SIRD, Metsubu as guest of honor.