Dignitaries and others during the Aoleang festival 2026 at Kisama on April 2. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 2
The Konyak community in Kohima, under the banner of the Konyak Union Kohima (KUK), celebrated the Aoleang festival with traditional fervour at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Thursday, with speakers emphasising the need for unity among Nagas.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, MLA Achumbemo Kikon described the Konyaks as among the “brainiest” of Naga tribes and said they have utilised their abilities effectively for the welfare of both the community and the Nagas at large.
Kikon, who is also Secretary General of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), noted the presence of Konyaks in Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar and said the community holds nine seats in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which he termed significant.
He said the Konyak community occupies a strategic position in the Naga homeland and plays a crucial role in representing the larger Naga identity, including aspirations related to sovereignty and freedom.
Stressing unity, he said the Konyaks, being one of the largest Naga tribes, have a greater responsibility in uniting the Naga people and asserted that no force should be allowed to divide them.
Touching on environmental concerns, Kikon, who also chairs the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment and Climate Change, called for collective efforts to prevent forest fires and ensure effective waste management.
Tribal hohos urged to come on common platform for Naga welfare
Also speaking at the event, Angami Public Organization (APO) president Thejao Vihienuo urged tribal bodies to move beyond individual interests and come together on a common platform for the welfare of all Nagas.
He said tribal hohos and unions must work collectively and create a platform to exchange ideas, share perspectives and guide the Naga society forward.
On the Naga political issue, Vihienuo said unity remains the only path to a solution and called for concerted efforts from all sections of society.
He urged people to stop blaming one another and instead adopt a spirit of reconciliation, stating that all groups must be willing to apologise and work towards unity.
He further said that unless civil societies unite, achieving a solution to the Naga issue would remain difficult, and emphasised the importance of goodwill among tribal bodies.
Earlier, Nagaland’s Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guards, C L John, extended Aoleang greetings.
Aoleang marks the end of the old year and the onset of spring, with prayers offered for a bountiful harvest.
The celebration featured cultural performances by groups from Chen, Phomching, Longchang, Aboi, Wakching areas and the Mon Circle Union.
KUK president Khongjah delivered the welcome address, while vice president H Khango Konyak proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a traditional Aoleang feast.
