Chang community of Mokokchung town celebrated Naknyulem, the festival of darkness to light, today with Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao. PHED Minister as the chief guest. Organised by Mokokchung Chang Union, this festival was held for the first time in Mokokchung town.

Other special guests present at the celebration included Murohu Chostso (NCS) DC, Mokokchung, Vikram Khalate (IPS) S.P. Mokokchung, Tsuktimar Jamir, SDO (Civil) Mokokchung, Dr. Sangyu Yaden, President Ao Senden, Moa Longchar, Supdt. Engineer (PHED), village council chairmen and elders from neighbouring villages of Ungma, Mokokchung, Chuchuyimpang, and Kensa.

While conveying Naknyulem greetings on the occasion, the chief guest spoke on how various Chang pioneers of Mokokchung such as Ngakho Chang and Imlong Chang contributed greatly in various capacities to the growth of the town.

He also mentioned that since the inception of the town, various tribes settled in Mokokchung have been living in harmony and that there have been no majority or minority tribes.

He further encouraged all to continue this wonderful tradition while also observing and respecting the local Ao traditions and culture.

Dr. Ngangshi appealed to the youth to preserve their traditions and customs. He stressed his concern on how in many Naga homes, youth were unable to speak their own languages with the use of Nagamese and English instead.

He also touched on various social health concerns that have risen alarmingly and plagued the Naga society such as HIV & AIDS, and tobacco related diseases like cancer.


Other speakers who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Sangyu Yaden President Ao Senden, Thrumba Konyak, President ENPO (Mkg unit), Khoni, Vice President, CKS Tuensang and Thongo Imlong, a prominent Chang elder of Mokokchung town. The celebration concluded with a grand Chang feast.