The 44th general conference-cum-sports meet of the Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang concludes with bold resolutions.
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KOBULONG — The 44th general conference-cum-sports meet of the Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) — Asetkong Students' Conference — concluded on a successful and inspiring note at Kobulong under Mokokchung District on Friday. The three-day event brought together more than 500 delegates from six units — Sungratsu, Mopungchuket, Chami, Kobulong, Longpa, and Longjang. Participants engaged in a diverse range of activities, including competitive sports disciplines, a cultural parade, debates, knowledge-sharing sessions with experts from various fields, panel discussions, and brainstorming sessions led by the Asetkong Economic Resurgence Committee.
Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Mannen could not attend the valedictory session in person but addressed the gathering virtually.
In his speech, Mannen highlighted the rapid societal transformations driven by advancing technology, particularly artificial intelligence and communication technologies, which are now the primary forces of change. He urged the students to adapt to these trends to remain relevant in the modern world.
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He challenged the youth by stating that tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today, and their future is shaped by their present actions — they are the architects of their own destiny.
“Destiny may present situations beyond your control, but your response to those situations is entirely your choice. Your choices and actions will ultimately define your future and destiny,” he emphasised, encouraging the students to proactively plan and decide what they aspire to become.
Mannen described the student and youth phase as a unique period filled with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and ample time for learning and sharing. He advised the young participants not to squander this precious opportunity, as the foundation of life is built during these formative years in educational institutions and other learning environments.
“Learn for the best of your future,” he exhorted.
Addressing the issue of poverty, he declared that it should never serve as an excuse to abandon one’s goals. “Your determination, persistence, and perseverance will lead you to success in life,” he affirmed.
On the socio-economic development of the Asetkong Range, Mannen shared that earlier conscious initiatives had been undertaken through his efforts, including collective meetings with village council members and elders to promote unity for comprehensive and holistic progress in the area.
He noted that voluntary groups such as the Asetkong Economic Resurgence Committee and the Think Tank Committee are actively working toward socio-economic advancement.
The advisor announced that the Think Tank Committee has conceptualised several promising projects, including an ambitious piggery development initiative under the District Plan, which is in the pipeline for implementation across all villages in Asetkong.
Emphasising that a society’s strength is rooted in its economic foundation, Mannen called for unified cooperation among the people of the range, rather than divisions along village lines — which he described as the greatest obstacle to overall development in this compact range.
He commended the outgoing AKTM office bearers for their dedication and sincerity in pursuing the aspirations of the student community, recalling numerous interactions over the years where they raised key issues, goals, and visions for student welfare and growth.
The conference adopted several important resolutions for the new team to implement. These include strengthening and expanding the scope of the Late Imtiwapang Aier Greening Asetkong Project by proposing an agenda to the Asetkong Mungdang to ban firearms — specifically air rifles and .22 rifles — in alignment with government directives, alongside intensified conservation efforts to protect wildlife in the Asetkong Range.
The house also resolved to explore ways to launch a ‘Skill Development Project’ in line with the AKTM theme, to be spearheaded by the new team (2026-2029).
Recognising the critical importance of the Ao language and the growing concern over its declining use, the AKTM committed to safeguarding this invaluable heritage through various programs and activities.
Additionally, the conference pledged extensive support to the Asetkong Economic Resurgence Committee in its efforts toward socio-economic growth in the range.
The new AKTM team (2026-2029) will be led by president Bendangkumzuk Aier (Mopungchuket), vice president Imzangluba Aier (Longjang), general secretary Katemmeren (Longpa), and assistant general secretary Tekazulu Longchar (Sungratsu).