CHANDEL, March 28: Hundreds of Nagas from Nagaland and Manipur gathered at the 2nd edition of the Naga Morung event at Liwa Sarei village ground in Chandel district on Friday, vowing to protect their ancestral lands and resist forces seeking to divide them.
The Naga Morung, organized by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and hosted by the Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) along with its constituent units, served as a unifying platform for Nagas scattered across different regions.
During the event, leaders and participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserving their ancestral lands. Dr. Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), addressed the gathering in the first session, themed “Nagas Yesterday – The Odyssey; Nagas Today – The Crossroad.” He emphasized that the aspiration for all Nagas to live together under one administrative umbrella should neither be compromised nor undermined.
In the second session, “Nagas Tomorrow – The Vision,” senior social activist Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu highlighted the critical role of the younger generation in carrying the Naga movement forward. She stressed that the future of the Nagas depends on young leaders taking the cause in the right direction.
Earlier in the program, NSUC President Ruwnglar Elly Anal set the tone for the event with a powerful declaration: “We would rather die standing than live on our knees.”
The event, themed “KUKNALIM,” also featured a presidential address by NSF President Medovi Rhi, who highlighted the Naga Morung as a cornerstone of Naga society. He explained that the Morung has traditionally served as an institution where young Nagas are educated about their customs, traditions, and history.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including the General Secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC), leaders from the Naga Women’s Union Manipur, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) President, Chandel Naga People’s Organization (CNPO) President, NSUC President, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation President, and representatives from the Naga Mothers Association, alongside various tribe leaders and other prominent figures.
The event featured multiple sessions, including an interactive discussion hour and the unveiling of a monolith to mark the occasion, symbolizing the strength and unity of the Naga people. The program concluded with cultural performances and other traditional activities, reinforcing the commitment of the Naga community to preserving their identity and unity.
