Morung Express News
Ungma | May 3
The 25th anniversary of Rüna Khrietho-Maong Aksü, marking a quarter century of friendship between Ungma and Tuophema villages, was celebrated at Yimtsungda Arok Sabang (Amphitheatre), Ungma, coinciding with the Moatsü festival on May 2.
Hosted by the Ungma Village Council under the theme “Kaamzemshi”—an Ao term meaning “to bolster amity”—the event brought together leaders and community members from across Nagaland. Dr Neiphiu Rio attended as special guest, while Dr SC Jamir was the honoured dignitary. Sharingain Longkumer served as chief host.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio called Moatsü a celebration of culture and a reaffirmation of inter-community ties. Observed after sowing, the festival is rooted in gratitude, spirituality and agrarian life. He noted that Naga traditions have survived through historical protections and are now protected under constitutional provisions, allowing communities to uphold their customary laws and identity. Dr Rio acknowledged the historical protection of Naga identity, “They recognized us because we are unique. They did not interfere into our local administration, our system, our customary laws.”
Recalling the origins of the Ungma–Tuophema relationship, he said the friendship symbolised a wider connection between communities. “Tuophema making friendship with Ungma, is making friendship with all the Aos, and Ungma through Tuophema it is making friendship with all the Angamis,” he said, adding, “We appreciate this friendship and we hope this will continue in the days to come.”
Referring to the traditional Aksü practice, he noted that the symbolic sharing of a pig marked equality and brotherhood. “One pig was slaughtered, divided into half, to signify the brotherhood, the friendship,” he said, adding that the relationship has been sustained through regular exchanges and visits over the years.
He expressed optimism about the involvement of the younger generation. “I am extremely happy that the students, the youth have come. I wish that this bond of friendship will continue,” he said, urging them to carry forward the legacy toward the golden jubilee.
Calling for the expansion of such unity beyond the two villages, Dr Rio said, “Not only unity among the friendship, but this will spread out, so that Naga people get real peace in our land,” adding that unity would ensure protection of identity, culture, and traditions.
He also highlighted the symbolic donation of ancestral land to public organisations. “This is a historic creation, it will send a message of shared commitment to strengthen our bonds,” he said.
As part of the observance, the Rüna Khrietho–Maong Aksü ceremony was conducted by Imtidongba Jamir. The ritual involved the traditional sharing of a pig, divided into equal halves between the two villages, symbolising goodwill, equality and mutual respect.
In a significant development during the programme, following the ‘Ungma Declaration’ initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and in response to the call of Neiphiu Rio and his predecessors, three clans of Ungma village wilfully donated three parcels of ancestral land measuring 100×100 each to apex tribal bodies—Eastern Public Organization (ENPO), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), and Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN). The gesture, formalised through a legal document, was described as a symbolic act of reconciliation, shared identity, and collective purpose, aimed at fostering unity and collective responsibility among the Nagas.
Earlier, SC Jamir, speaking on “reminiscence,” reflected on the origins and purpose of the initiative, emphasising that the friendship between the two villages was conceived as a model for broader Naga unity. Greeting messages were delivered by G Kaito Aye and Pfudouhou Kense, Chairman of Tuophema Village Council. A commemorative souvenir marking the silver jubilee was released by the Chief Minister, who also inaugurated a monolith on the occasion.
The programme featured folk dances by the Tuophema Cultural Troupe and Kongshir. The celebration witnessed the participation of around 300 delegates from five Angami villages. The event concluded with a community dance between the two villages and the Maong Aksü feast.
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