Ukhrul, Jan 17: In a historic and symbolic coronation ceremony, Gam Angkang Shimray, Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), was officially crowned as the new village chief of Chingjaroi CV on Wednesday. The ceremony, known as ‘Wungpam Kakhui,’ was led by 82-year-old Raizar Angkang Shimray, who passed the title of headman to his younger brother due to health issues and advanced age. Raizar Shimray, the outgoing chief, invoked God’s blessings for a smooth administration, progress, and peace in the village under Gam Shimray’s leadership.
Before transferring his chief authority (Wungpam), the outgoing headman, who served the village for nearly three decades, crowned the new chief with traditional Tangkhul headgear, a spear, and a holy Bible. Raizar urged his younger brother to embrace the new responsibilities and challenges with God as his guiding master and to manage the village’s affairs with integrity and a sense of service to humanity.
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In his address to the public, Gam expressed gratitude and acknowledged his older brother’s dedicated service to the village for nearly three decades. He assured the villagers of his commitment to working with integrity and called for their unwavering support and cooperation to promote holistic governance and protect their rights.
Speaking to the press after his coronation, 55-year-old Gam Shimray highlighted the value of the Tangkhul customary ‘Wung’ system. He noted that this system sharply contrasts with the liberal democratic system, as it operates without party affiliations, unlike electoral politics. “This is an effective system of administration passed down by our forefathers, and we must acknowledge it and carry it forward with honor,” he emphasized.
Addressing concerns about balancing his new role as a village chief with his current role as a human rights activist, Gam reassured that the two responsibilities complement each other. “Though they are two different entities with different levels of responsibilities, the vision for them is the same which is to secure democracy for our people,” he explained.
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Elaborating on the essence of strengthening the customary system of governance, he asserted that it is foundational to the aspirations of the Naga people. “No matter how far and wide we advocate for our democratic rights, if the foundation of our village governance is not strengthened, then our efforts will be in vain,” he remarked.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including RS. Jollyson, the vice president of the Tangkhul Naga Long; Tennyson, the president of the Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long; SA. Ramnganing, the president of the All Naga Village Chief Federation in Manipur; Vareiyo, the General Secretary of the United Naga Council; and Jubilate Kazingmei, the Managing Director of VVD. Also present were Seth Shatsang, a former president of ANSAM, as well as various village chiefs, leaders, and elders from the Angkang clan, along with local villagers.
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The new chief is the eldest son of former minister late Somi A ShimraY and is currently serving his second term as Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), an organization accredited by the United Nations’ ECOSOC. With over 30 years of experience in advocating for democracy and human rights, Gam Shimray’s leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective and governance to the village.
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