Kohima: The first Angami Public Organisation (APO) president, Zapuvisie Lhousa said that there is a need for the Angami tribe to stand in truth and work for achieving the Naga solution. He said this during the 50th year celebration of APO today at Khuochiezie in Kohima. The occasion was graced by Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio.
Zapuvisie Lhousa said the Angami community is living more comfortably compared to others. Therefore, it is also the responsibility of the community to understand the plight of others.
In his address, Rio thanked the founders of APO and said because of their visionary leadership the Angami tribe stands united and that has contributed to their progress.
Recalling the British entry into the Naga Hills in 1832, Rio stated that the Angamis fought with them when they entered their land, which ended in 1879. Later on, the Angamis worked together with the Britishers when Kohima was made the headquarters. He also pointed out that amongst the 21 signatories of the Simon Commission, 15 were from the Angami tribe who represented the Nagas, and the forefathers sacrificed and contributed greatly to the Naga movement, which he stated is one reason why the Angamis have been blessed.
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Rio added that many things may still be lacking but the unity, integrity, and the good practices of their forefathers have helped the Angami community to date. He exhorted the younger generation to continue the legacy so that through them not just the Angamis but the whole Naga society will be blessed. Pointing out the motto of APO ‘Right is Might,’ Rio called upon the gathering to uphold it so that there will be progress in the society. He stressed the need to stay united and achieve greater things.
APO president, Razouvotuo Chatsu addressing the gathering said APO was formed in 1972 with Zapuvisie Lhousa as the president, and the successive APO teams have guided the organization till today. He urged the four ranges of the Angamis to help, care and protect each other in upholding the good practices. He exhorted the new generation to love and co-operate with each other and to carry forward the “Angamimia Therhu”. He further appealed to the people of all ranges to be united, and truthful, not to be arrogant but live an exemplary life and forgive one another on the special occasion.
All the 104 Angami village chairmen and the four Angami range presidents hoisted their respective flags. The jubilee flag and APO flag were hoisted by Neiphiu Rio and Razouvotuo Chatsu respectively.
The golden jubilee celebration brought around 20,000 Angami people together from all walks of life to foster better understanding and unity by sharing food cooked from a common hearth.