Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressed optimism that the Government of India would “positively consider” the demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). He was speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day International Hornbill Festival, Mon Edition 2025, held at the Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon district.
Rio informed the gathering that the third and final draft of the FNT proposal has been submitted to the Centre after extensive deliberations with the State Cabinet. He served as the chief host of the event.
In his address, the Chief Minister urged the Konyak community to actively utilise the heritage complex as a platform to preserve, promote and showcase their rich cultural heritage. He praised the artistry and ingenuity of the Konyaks—reflected in generations-old practices such as gun and gunpowder making, beadwork, symbolic tattooing, blacksmithing and pottery.
Dr. Rio later inaugurated the Traditional Cuisine Corner and the Artists & Artisans’ Corner, and visited the Ahng Museum along with various departmental and community stalls.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, in a brief address, extended his gratitude to the organisers and to the Chief Minister for initiating the Mon edition of the festival.
W. Chingang Konyak, Advisor for DUDA and Geology & Mining and host of the day, formally introduced the International Hornbill Festival (Mon Edition). He thanked the Chief Minister for conceptualising and launching the event and said the festival symbolises the government’s commitment to preserving Konyak identity, culture and tourism. He also urged the Konyak community to safeguard their heritage for future generations.
This year’s festival, themed “Cultural Connect,” showcased a wide range of performances by cultural troupes from Tangnyu, Wanching, Loung, Tamkoang, Chen Area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Langmeang and Nokyan villages. Groups from the Phom, Ao and Tenyimia communities, the Wancho Fusion Crew, and participants from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam also took part.
The festival also featured indigenous games curated by DUDA in collaboration with the Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge.” Competitions included rice pounding, rice husking and traditional fire-making.
The celebrations began with traditional blessings by Lohwang Pongyin, Ahng of Longzang village, followed by the ceremonial heralding of the festival with trumpets, muzzle-loading gunfire by Loung village, and the sounding of the gong by Dr. Rio.
The programme was compered by Chingmei Konyak, with the invocation delivered by Rev. H. Moba Konyak, Pastor of KBCM, and a vote of thanks offered by Yamao Konyak, President of the Konyak Union.
Co-hosting the event was K. Konngam Konyak, Advisor for Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts. Several dignitaries, including Minister P. Paiwang Konyak, Advisor Tongpang Ozukum and Advisor to the Chief Minister Rusemtong Longkumer, were also present.
