Kohima, May 19: The Phom community of Nagaland bordering Sivasagar district of Assam held a cultural exchange programme on May 16 at Yonglok under Tamlu sub-division of Longleng district of Nagaland, an official statement said today. MLA and Leader of Opposition, Government of Assam, Debabrata Saikia, graced the occasion as the special guest, while MLA A. Pongshi Phom of Nagaland graced the occasion as guest of honour, and MLA, B. Bangtick Phom was the chief host. The programme commence with an invocation pronounced by Pastor Longleng Town Baptist Church Rev. H. Beau Phom.
The highlights of the day long programme included cultural dance performed by Tamlu village men (Nagaland), Bura Namsang women (Nagaland), Bamboo dance by Shetep village (Nagaland), Jeng Behu (Assam), Husori Behu (Assam), Kangching village men (Nagaland) and Pongo cultural troops (Nagaland).
Debabrata Saikia, in his address said that since June 6, 1962, the day has been celebrated as Phom Day, a day dedicated to peace and harmony in their land. As this special day approaches, he extended his warm congratulations to the Phom community.
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On the occasion, Saikia said that he was very happy to see that the traditions and cultures passed down by their ancestors are still being preserved and practiced today. Historically, he said the Ahoms and the Nagas have shared a deep friendship. When Assam was going through turmoil under an autocratic ruler, the king came to Nagaland and married the daughter of the Wangshu king. In Assam, she is known as Dalimi, Saikia added.
“We all belong to India and are proud citizens of a democratic country. But at the same time, we should never forget our own cultures and traditions, and must always respect and uphold them”, he also said.
Saikia also called upon the people of both the communities of Assam and Nagland to support each other in time of difficulty, and asserted that “our work and efforts should benefit both Assam and Nagaland”. Saikia also said that though “we each have our own laws, we must not take the law into our own hands. Instead, we should allow the administration to resolve any misunderstandings that may arise”.
While encouraging everyone to take advantage of the various government schemes available, Saikia said although “we may come from different political parties, we must work together for the betterment of our society, unite for development and share our challenges. In doing so, we can bring prosperity to our states”.
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Saikia then said that this cultural exchange program will promote greater unity and contribute to lasting peace and prosperity in the region. Therefore, he urged both the communities to continue to preserve the rich cultures and traditions, and move forward as a united team, to ensure peace, prosperity, and progress. “This is possible only through cooperation from all sides”, he added.
Also speaking on the occasion, MLA B. Bangtick Phom said, with great pride and humility, “we stand together today, not merely as a representative of the Nagas and Phoms, but as a voice carrying forward the centuries-old bond between our lands a bond forged through shared struggles, collaboration, and mutual respect”.
He said when the Ahoms first entered Assam in the 13th century, crossing the Patkai Hills under the leadership of Sukaphaa, they did not march into emptiness. They entered into a world of thriving hill societies among them, the Namsangia guardians of these ridges and rivers.
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Bangtick then appealed to the gathering not to forget this shared legacy, not merely of culture, but of conscience. “While we celebrate our shared legacy, we must also acknowledge present-day concerns. There are growing anxieties among our people about land boundaries disputes in the Namsang region. These are not just disputes over terrain, but reflections of a deeper need for dialogue, clarity, and respect. Let this occasion mark not just cultural unity, but also a commitment to resolve such matters in a spirit of trust and fairness, just as our ancestors did in the past,” he added.
(Newmai News Network)