The Closing ceremony of the 3 day Unity Mini Hornbill Festival-cum-Pre-Christmas Celebration was held on 6th December 2025 at the DC’s Office Complex, District Headquarters Peren, with Deputy Chief Minister, Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang gracing the occasion as the Special Guest.
The event was hosted by President, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, L. Singsit, IPS (Retd.) and compered by Elia Poireing.
Addressing the attendees, T.R. Zeliang thanked the Deputy Commissioner and DPDB members for organizing the programme aimed at promoting unity in the district.
He also stated that although the District is 21 years old, many developmental areas remain in their nascent stages. He said the Model Township was created to meet growing developmental and urban needs, but slow habitation and activity remain a major challenge. He urged officers and the public to contribute actively to building a thriving and vibrant township and appreciated the DC’s efforts to revive it.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, he said it reminds the people that Peren is “One District, One People, One Family.” He clarified misunderstandings regarding the demand for a separate district for Jalukie Valley, informing that the issue was even discussed at the DPDB, but when the matter reached the State Cabinet, the Chief Minister made it clear that no new districts would be created and that no tribe would have two districts. He noted that even earlier demands from other tribes remain on hold and the Cabinet even refused to discuss the matter. Zeliang said it is not within any individual Minister’s power to create a district and termed allegations against him as baseless and politically motivated.
He appealed to the people to uphold unity and reject divisive narratives. As the event also marked Pre-Christmas, he encouraged the gathering to reflect on renewal, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He urged everyone to enter 2026 with a renewed outlook and to strive for improvement in personal, professional, and community life.
Delivering a short address, L. Singsit, IPS (Retd.), expressed gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister, stating that under his leadership Peren District has witnessed rapid development. He also conveyed sincere appreciation to the Deputy Commissioner of Peren, describing him as a man of vision whose arrival in the District has brought notable improvements and positive changes. He emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that festivals serve as vital platforms for strengthening inter-community relations and preserving cultural identity.
The Christmas Message was shared by Executive Secretary, RBCAN, Rev. Mathiuthai Gonmei, highlighting Christmas as a season of peace, goodwill, and reconciliation, he encouraged the gathering to uphold compassion, harmony, and the spirit of togetherness.
The programme earlier began with an invocation by Pastor, Liangmai Baptist Phumling, Jalukie Town, N.K. Kairi Newmai, followed by a welcome address from President, Liangmai Council, Nagaland, Khenglubo.
A special presentation by the Winner of Peren Voice Impact Season 10 added to the festive ambience. A short play titled “The Dose That Took Everything Away”, presented by Kingdom Stewards, Jalukie, delivered a strong message on substance abuse and its social consequences.
The event also witnessed distribution of prizes and certificates to the winners of various competitions by the Special Guest and Chief Host.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by President, Zeme Council, Nagaland, A. Ernest Sephe, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, organizers, performers, and all attendees for their support and participation.
The Closing Programme-cum-Pre-Christmas Celebration marked a fitting culmination to the Unity Mini Hornbill Festival, reaffirming the district’s commitment to unity, cultural preservation, and the spirit of the festive season.
(DPRO & Mamang IA, Peren)
