Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed hope that the appointment of a new interlocutor and discussions at the Group of Ministers’ level would help find a solution to the prolonged Naga political issue, while stressing the need for greater unity among Naga tribes.
Addressing the first general conference of the Tenyimi Women Union Nagaland (TWUN), hosted by the Angami Women Organisation (AWO), Rio said the Nagas were passing through a difficult period and needed collective efforts to strengthen unity.
He said the Tenyimi Union, which comprises five tribes — Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma and Zeliang — should take the initiative in bringing different Naga tribes together.
“We are trying to bring unity because once Tenyimi is united, we can inspire other tribes to bring Naga unity. Otherwise, at this juncture, Nagas as a people are in a very difficult situation,” Rio said.
“We hope the appointment of a new interlocutor and talks at the Group of Ministers’ level will bring some solution,” he added.
The Centre has appointed Ajit Lal as the interlocutor for the Naga peace talks.
Rio also emphasised the need for greater participation of women in leadership, governance and economic activities, acknowledging their increasing contributions to education, administration and society.
He observed that women were increasingly outperforming men in education and highlighted the rise in their representation in government, from around 8.3 per cent two decades ago to approximately 31 per cent.
Describing women as the foundation of families and custodians of cultural heritage, the chief minister said their responsibilities extended beyond household affairs to preserving traditional knowledge, textiles, handicrafts and indigenous practices.
He urged Tenyimi women to pass on their languages, traditions and cultural values to younger generations, underlining the important role of mothers in safeguarding indigenous identity.
Guest of honour Kuzholuzo Nienu, advisor for science and technology, said the Tenyimi community’s heritage was reflected not only in its traditional attire, folk songs, festivals and customary practices but also in the values, mutual respect and collective responsibility upheld by its ancestors.
While acknowledging the opportunities offered by modernisation, Nienu cautioned that development should not distance younger generations from their ancestral land and cultural identity.
He said unity did not require uniformity or the abandonment of individual tribal identities, but called for respect for differences and a willingness to place collective interests above personal considerations.
Highlighting women’s participation, Nienu said a community could not claim to be truly united unless women’s experiences, concerns and aspirations received proper recognition. He called for greater opportunities for women to contribute ideas, influence decisions and assume leadership roles.
