The vibrant Mungmung Festival, which also serves as a mini-Hornbill event, began today in Kiphire, bringing together the Sangtam Naga community for two days of cultural festivities and reflection on their rich heritage. The opening day was marked by a series of impactful speeches and performances that highlighted the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and the legacy of the Naga people.
A Chingmak Chang, the President of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), set the tone for the festival with a heartfelt address. He urged the people of Kiphire to embrace the spirit of Mungmung with love, peace, and reconciliation, emphasizing that cultural preservation is key to maintaining identity.
“Losing our culture means losing our identity,” he stated, encouraging both the young and the old to stay connected to their roots, regardless of how far they may journey in life. Chang also underscored the Sangtams’ pioneering role in education among the Eastern Nagas and called on them to continue serving their community with dedication.
Chinese Chakasang, NPS SP Kiphire, also spoke at the event. He emphasized that festivals like Mungmung should not only be about celebration but also about serious learning and understanding the meaning behind cultural practices. “Festivals are a celebration of our roots and rich culture, a celebration of ‘who we are.’ They should act as a bridge between past and present generations,” he stated, calling on elders to pass on their knowledge to the younger generation.
The event featured various cultural performances, including a solidarity speech by Tokishe, President of Eastern Sumi Hoho, and short speeches from NY Choba Chang, President of Chang Khulie Setshang, and Chongba Jurry, President of Pochury Hoho. The welcome address was delivered by K Aliba Sangtam, President of USLP, and the significance of Mungmung was explained by Seili, Head GB of Amahator Village.
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Special performances included a number by Tsarola Y Sangtam, a men’s troop dance by Kiphire village’s Khudi Nyiichirü mülung and Thangthure village’s Nyiichirü mülung, a women’s “Haho!” performance by groups from Longmatra Area Mother’s Union and Amahator village’s Mother’s Union, a millet harvest song by Hurung Village Union, and a rice cultivation song (Jhume) by Natsami Village Union.
The day’s program was hosted by Tsalichum S Sangtam and Athrongla R. Sangtam. The two-day Mungmung Festival is organized by the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland and Nagaland Tourism, with partnerships including Stargazers Rental Sounds and Lights, and High Tech Graphic and Design, Kiphire.
“Will never betray my people”: ENPO President
A Chingmak Chang, President of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), reaffirmed his commitment to the people of ENPO amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the group’s demand for statehood. “I will never betray my people,” Chang declared. Chang was speaking during the Mungmung Festival of the Sangtam Nagas in Kiphire on Tuesday.
During his remarks, Chang referenced the statement made by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the 15 August celebration, in which the Chief Minister spoke of an “open door policy” to resolve the ENPO issue.
Expressing optimism, Chang noted that this approach could lead to a positive resolution through fruitful negotiations and mutual understanding between the state government, ENPO, and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU). He added that the outcome of these discussions would be presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs, followed by tripartite talks involving the Government of India, the state government, and ENPO.
Chang also touched on the longstanding demand for statehood, which began in 2010, stating that the demand remains very much alive. However, he suggested that Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) could serve as a temporary solution for ENPO as the group continues to pursue its ultimate goal.
“Our talk is in an advanced stage, though we cannot give any timeframe. Therefore, let us have hope for a time when all eight tribes of ENPO will celebrate a common festival,” the president added.