MLA Pongshi Phom and others during 73rd Phom Day celebration in Kohima on June 6. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 6
The Phom community in Kohima observed 73rd Phom Day at State Academy Hall, Kohima under the aegis of Phom Union Kohima (PUK) on June 6.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, A Pongshi Phom, MLA and Chairman Longleng DPDB said that June 6 is observed as Phom Day by Phom community in remembrance of June 6, 1952 when the elders of the Phom tribe made a pledge to stop the practice of head hunting and to live in peace with one another.
In 1952, a stone pillar was erected having imprinted a vow in a monument which reads “June 6 1952, Phom Day to witness this day wherein all Phoms have pledge themselves to be peaceful and loyal to government.
Expressing deep concern over division and disunity among the Nagas, Pongshi stated that someone has to take responsibility to unite the Nagas. Stating that Naga people cannot go forward without peace and unity, he said “Together, we can do so much.”
‘Come Kohima for business activities’
Also speaking on the occasion, Angami Public Organization (APO) president Thejao Vihienuo said that peace is prerequisite to ‘move forward’ in every field.
Lauding the Phom elders who initiated the circle of peace in 1952, Vihienuo challenged the Phom community to make their efforts more effective and move forward. Stating that Kohima belong to “all of us,” he said “we have to create awareness on oneness and unity of the Nagas.”
In this, he called upon the people to be good to each other.
“Kohima is important for all of us. This is one town from where we can build unity and oneness of the Nagas,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vihienuo told the Phom community to come Kohima for business activities and not just for government job purpose.
Stating that they (Phom) are intelligent, talented and innovative, he said “Please have confidence in yourself and enter into business venture.”
Toshi Chang, president Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Kohima also spoke on the occasion.
Rev. Phomlee Van, pastor Kohima Phom Baptist Attoi prayed for the programme.
Phom Day honours 1952 Peace Accord
PUK President, P Imti Phom said that Phom Day, celebrated annually on June 6, is one of the most significant occasions for Phom citizens across the world.
It commemorates Peace-Making Day, a historic event marked on June 6, 1952—a day engraved in the annals of Phom history with pride and purpose.
This day stands as a landmark and a red-letter day for the Phom (Naga) people. It was through the divine wisdom bestowed by Almighty God upon our visionary elders and pioneering leaders that a long-standing era of hostility came to an end. On that momentous day, the violent tradition of headhunting, once widespread, was abandoned.
He said that a solemn pledge to forgive and forget was made-ushering in a new era of peace, unity, and reconciliation within the Phom community and beyond. “Since that transformative moment, the Phom people have observed `Peace Day' with grand celebrations,” Imti told media persons.
The ceremony is often held in collaboration with the State Government and other supporting agencies, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and progress.
