The Sangtam community celebrated Mungmung Festival at Public Ground, Kiphire on 3rd September 2024. The festival was hosted by the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) with ENPO President A. Chingmak Chang as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest in his speech said Sangtams have 12 festivals of feasting, dancing with music and merry making, but above all Mungmung which means 'Togetherness Forever' is the most important festival of all is observed in the first week of September every year stretching over six days. The festival celebrates good harvest and food grains for which the villagers have toiled throughout the year
Chang appealed to the ENPO people to eradicate all evils and isms in the society. He said under the able leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, the government is committed to all round development of the state, and said the Eastern Region of our state requires more handholding than the other parts, therefore it is important to bridge both physical and human capital gaps and the present Government has an open - door policy to resolve the ENPO issue. He expressed his hope that the Chief Minister will look into the ENPO Issue with positive mind set, he added. He also highlighted on the 13th August 2024, meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs at Delhi, and also with the Chief Minister of Nagaland on 23rd August 2024 respectively.
Dr. H. Apise, Secretary USBLA, Kiphire invoked God's blessings followed by a welcome speech by Aliba Sangtam, President USLP. Short speeches were proposed by Chinese Chakhesang, Superintendent of Police, Kiphire and Throngseli, Head GB, Kiphire Town.
Significance of the Mungmung Festival was delivered by Seili, Head GB, Amahator Village. Solidarity speech was pronounced by Tokhishe, President Eastern Sumi Hoho; N. Y. Choba Chang, President, Chang Khulei Setshang and Chongba Jurry, President, Pochury Hoho. Happy Mungmung song was presented by Alope Tsarola Y. Sangtam.
Cultural items were presented by Nyiichinung, Kiphire village, Khuti Nyiichiru Mulund and Thangthure Village Nyiichiru Mulund. Haho song was presented by Longmatra Area Atparu mulung, Kiphire and Amahator Village Atparu Union, Kiphire Town. Titse Nyeh Khitong, (millet grinding) was performed by Hurong village Union, Kiphire Town and Machi Khitong by Natsami village Union, Kiphire Town. Exhibition Stalls have been set up by the Locals, displaying the local products at Kiphire Public Ground during the celebration of the Mungmung Festival.
(Tsoinyu IA Kiphire)
