A Tug of War final match in progress during the P Shilu Ao Memorial Indigenous Games Festival-cum-2nd Tug of War Championship 2025 held at Longjang village, Mokokchung on November 8. Host Longjang emerged as the champion of the competition. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Longjang | November 9
The P Shilu Ao Memorial Indigenous Games Festival-cum-2nd Tug of War Championship 2025, organised by the Longjang Riongjanger Cultural Society Mokokchung (LRCSM) under the aegis of the Longjang Village Council, concluded on November 8 at Longjang village.
Held under the theme “Tenten,” the two-day celebration, which began on November 7, brought together Longjang and ten neighbouring villages—Longpa, Dibuia, Süngratsü, Waromung, Mongsenyimti, Chuchuyimlang, Khar, Asangma, Mongchen, and Kilengmen.
The festival celebrated traditional sports and cultural heritage through events such as indigenous games and the 2nd Tug of War Championship 2025, which saw participation from all eleven villages.
The Tug of War final was contested between Süngratsü village and Longjang village, with the host emerging as champion.
In his address, Tongpang Ozukum, MLA and Advisor for Water Resources, highlighted the life and achievements of late Ao, the first Chief Minister, describing him as an extraordinarily intelligent leader and a gifted orator whose legacy continues to inspire.
He recalled that prior to Statehood, late Ao served in the Interim Body (1961–63) along with Dr Imkongliba Ao, Dr SC Jamir, and RC Chiten, representing the Ao community.
Out of 42 members, five were selected as Executive Councillors, with late Ao appointed as Chief Executive Councilor, equivalent to the position of Chief Minister.
Ozukum noted that following the first general elections in 1964, he became the first Chief Minister of Nagaland, leading the newly formed State at a crucial time.
Under his leadership, the historic ceasefire agreement was signed on September 6, 1964 — which Ozukum termed “the greatest achievement of that government.”
Although his tenure was brief, he left a profound impact before resigning in 1966, later serving as Advisor on Tribal Affairs to the Government of India.
He urged all Nagas to honour his contributions and appreciated the Longjang community for organising the event in his memory. Ozukum also mentioned the P Shilu Ao Park project in Mokokchung as a befitting tribute and encouraged further initiatives to preserve his legacy.
A Pangjung Jamir, MLA and Advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, described late Ao as a visionary leader whose contributions were pivotal in the creation of the State of Nagaland.
He remarked that while the world celebrates various sports, indigenous games are seldom practised today, emphasising the need to preserve them as a reflection of Naga culture. He further noted the strong connectivity between Longjang and its ten neighbouring villages as a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence.
Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, likened late Ao to “the rising of a new sun” for the Nagas during a time of turmoil and limited education.
He said that the story of Nagaland’s Statehood is incomplete without him, just as the story of Christianity in Nagaland cannot be told without Rev Dr EW Clark. While acknowledging the park named in his honour, Imsong emphasised that it alone does not suffice to commemorate his legacy, calling for collective recognition of his contributions by all Nagas.
He further urged the Ao community to strengthen unity based on truth and self-reliance, remarking, “Learning signifies progress, but only when education leads to self-reliance does it bring prosperity.” Addressing the youth, he called for focus on constructive efforts and the nurturing of capable, visionary leaders for the community.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Host TN Mannen, MLA and Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, shared anecdotes from late Ao’s early life, recounting that after completing his education in Jorhat, he returned to his native Longjang to teach at the same primary school he had attended, earning a modest salary of Rs 10 per month.
He later served as Inspector of Schools in Kohima and Headmaster in Wokha before pursuing higher studies in Shillong, where he became the first Naga to clear the Assam Civil Service examination.
Mannen reflected on late Ao’s dedicated service across the North-East, his role as Chief Councillor of the Interim Body, and his historic leadership as Nagaland’s first Chief Minister.
Even though his tenure was brief, Mannen said late Ao’s contributions to peace and governance remain deeply impactful. He expressed hope that the festival would continue to grow in scale and spirit, fostering unity and healthy competition among the people.
The programme also featured speeches from Ningshi Aier, Chairman of the Longjang Village Council, and Nuklutoshi, MLA and Chairman DPDB Mokokchung, and various cultural performances.
