Imphal, May 29: Kaisa Rio, wife of Nagaland chief minister Nephiu Rio, led a cultural delegation from the state to Chandel district in Manipur for strengthening the Naga social bond.

Inaugurating a two-day cultural exchange programme between Naga women of the two neighbouring states on Thursday, Kaisa appealed to Naga woman to work for the preservation of the community’s cultural heritage.

Gina Sangkham, president of Naga Women Union of Manipur and Khesheli, a top functionaries of the Naga Mothers Association, attended the programme.

Leaders of the United Naga Council, Naga Christian Forum, All Naga Students Association, Manipur, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and the Naga Hoho were present on the occasion. Altogether 200 women, including wives of eight Nagaland ministers, have accompanied Kaisa to Chandel, which she described as “beautiful corner of the Naga homeland.

“Our society has been physically fragmented among many states within the Indian Union and Burma (Myanmar). This fragmentation has created a kind of isolation among ourselves, forcing us to think differently on issues of common concern,” she said.

“Our people in the armed resistance are engaged in a peace process after signing a ceasefire agreement with the government of India. Every Naga woman prays ardently that the peace process be continued,” she said.

She appealed to all Naga women to come forward, regardless of the territorial divide, to strengthen and ensure “continuity of our society”.

The highlight of the programme that ended yesterday was dance and cultural items presented by members of different Naga tribes inhabiting Manipur and Nagaland.