The Putu Menden (Traditional Assembly of Elders) change of guard ceremony, a tradition central to governance in the Ao Naga villages, was recently held in Süngratsü village, Mokokchung on October 11.
This significant event marked the transition of leadership to a new generation, a process that occurs approximately every 30 years. During the ceremony, the Medemsanger Putu, which had governed the village for more than a decade, handed over the reins to the Mejensanger Putu, who will now govern the village for the next “putu” or approximately 30 years.
For context, the term “Putu Menden” translates to “traditional seat of government” (menden) of a generation (putu), with each generation consisting of several peer groups known as Zünga.
In Süngratsü, five Zünga, comprising more than 400 members from all the seven clans in the village, were inducted into the Mejensanger Putu. From these members, eight Tatars (Council of elders), along with deputies and key positions such as “cleric” from both Mongsen (Tsunger) and Chungli (Onger) were chosen from various founding clans of the village.
As per tradition in the village, separate morning ceremonies for both Mongsen and Chungli phratries were followed by a combined afternoon session at the Senden Salang.
Sentiyanger, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner, a member of the eldest peer group of Mejensanger Putu, graced the combined event.
In his address, Sentiyanger commended the Mejensanger Putu for their initiative to unify the treasury systems of Chungli and Mongsen, emphasizing the need to preserve the village’s customs and traditions while adapting to the changing dynamics of the modern world.
He also offered wise counsel, stressing that councils that operate with principles of justice, equality, and fairness would lead the village to peace and prosperity. However, he warned that corruption within the council could bring about chaos and misgovernance in the village.
Sentiyanger also highlighted the concerning trend of rural-to-urban migration, driven by a lack of financial and economic opportunities in villages.
He pointed out that the village receives approximately INR 70 lakhs annually from various government programmes, including funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Finance Commission Fund for local rural bodies, and the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
In this connection, he urged the new leadership to utilize these funds for sustainable livelihood schemes on a multi-dimensional approach aimed at lifting households out of economically starved levels by creating sustainable pathways to financial stability and boost the village economy, which could curb migration and improve local development.