Dimapur, January 26: The 118th foundation day of Longtong (Atuphu) Sema Naga Village at Margherita sub-Divsion, Assam was commemorated on January 25 with Dr. Ranuj Pegu, Minister for Education, Welfare Plain Tribes and Backward Classes, Govt. of Assam, as chief guest.
A press release on Wednesday informed that Y Kikheto Sema, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Govt of Nagaland, graced the event as special guest while Laisam Simai, Advisor to Tourism, IPR and Printing, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, and Dr. Hotokhu Chishi, Rtd. Director of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of Nagaland, were guests of honour.
Dr. Ranuj Pegu inaugurated the foundation stone. He congratulated the people of Longtong Sema Naga Village for completing 118 years of existence.
On the matter of those villages that have nomenclature issues, Pegu stated that the Assam Government has already taken the decision to tackle it by opening a portal where the villages could apply their case and redress their issue.
He further stated that the Government has specific laws that protect the land and rights of the minority people in Assam and therefore assured the Sema Naga that they are in safe hands.
Kikheto Sema urged the Longtong Village in particular, and the remaining 5 villages in general, to retrospect to 118 years when their forefathers had the resilience to set up villages – struggling with wild animals, pests-and established these villages. He urged the villagers to be thankful to the pioneers who had established these villages even before India became a country and Assam was a State.
Kikheto said that the present generation should hunt for peace, development and unity with all neighbouring States. He said that the Ahoms and the Nagas have historical ties and friendly relationship over the years. And the present generation should sustain and strengthen the cordial relationships like in the past.
He stated that the village and upper Sema (Sumi) have a great historical significance. He also expressed happiness that the Sumis in Upper Assam continue striving for preserving their language and culture.
Laisam Simai stated that the Tangsa people have blood relation with the Nagas and they would gladly come to their aid if need arises.
Dr. Vihuto Asumi, General Secretary of Sumi Hoho greeted the gathering and read out the message of the Sümi Hoho President.
Dr. Hotokhu Chishi read out a 3-point memorandum and submitted to Dr. Ranuj Pegu on behalf of the Longtong Sema Naga village Council.
(Page News Service)
