Source: Oken Jeet Sandham - NEPS
Imphal, February 21, 2010:
In the past, the head hunting practices by Naga forefathers happened due to lack of communication amongst them and this had forced them to be illusive with each others despite knowing well the historical and biological truth, said ZM Sekhose, President, Tenyimi Peoples' Organization (TPO) in a message on the occasion of the 16th Tenyimi Day that falls on 22nd February.
As the time pass on, they had come to realize the "need to uphold the truth and proclaimed to the world the common ancestry and history of the Tenyimi as a people consisting of consisting of the Angami, Chakhesang, Impui Maram, Memei, Pochury, Poumai, Rengma, Thangal and Zeliangrong.
"And they has realized the truth what nature has endowed to us and came together as one which no human can undo it and will continue to remain till heaven and earth exist," the message stated adding "Though, we are called by ten different names, the Tenyimi are one entity who shares a deeply rooted cultural heritage and inherent values".
Sekhose further said based on their deep rooted natural bond, the Tenyimi Peoples' Organization was formed to "protect the welfare of the Tenyimi brothers and sisters and also to foster unity and brotherhood among ourselves and not randomly like any organization which are formed by like minded people."
Extending his warmest greetings on the occasion, the TPO president called upon all the Tenyimi brothers and sisters to observe the Tenyimi day in a befitting manner and also to "renew their unity and brotherhood among ourselves and our friendship with our neighbours and live in harmony and peace." He also appealed to all the Tenyimi wherever they might be to observe Tenyimi Day only on the officially declared 22nd February.