Minister KG Kenye warns of weakening cohesion in Naga society and urges unity amid the Naga political issue.
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KOHIMA — Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye on Tuesday expressed concern over what he described as the weakening cohesion within Naga society, warning that growing divisions and the inability to arrive at a common understanding on critical issues could have serious consequences for future generations.
Addressing the first annual general session of the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) at AGOK Badze, Meriema, Kenye said Nagas today stand at a crossroads amid the prolonged Naga political issue.
“We are losing grip on our society. Everybody wants to go their own way. This is alarming and frightening. If society does not have an organisation or leadership that people look up to, our future is doomed,” he said.
Kenye observed that no single organisation, whether underground groups, public organisations or elected governments, commands the complete respect and obedience of the Naga people as in the past.
Against this backdrop, he stressed the importance of strengthening unity while cautioning against placing tribal interests above the larger Naga cause.
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He said the Tenyimi people should always remember that they are “first Nagas” and that the Tenyimi identity must not be placed above the broader Naga identity.
“We are a highly sensitive political society. Let us be careful in our writings, utterances and decisions so that we do not contradict the interests of our people. We should not try to overshadow or become dominant over our other Naga brothers,” he said.
Kenye described the Tenyimi community as a unique conglomeration bound by common ancestry, history, customs and traditions rather than territorial boundaries. He said the community has played a significant role in the growth and development of Naga society and has remained resilient through changing times.
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Explaining the rationale behind the formation of TUN, he said Tenyimi people today are divided across different states, districts and even international boundaries, making it difficult for all sections of the community to deliberate collectively on issues affecting them.
According to him, the union was conceived as a platform for the five Tenyimi tribes in Nagaland — Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma and Zeliang — to discuss issues specific to their communities within the state's administrative framework.
“TUN is not a cultural organisation, nor is it a political organisation. It is a platform to keep our people together, discuss issues affecting us and arrive at decisions that are beneficial to the Tenyimi community residing in Nagaland,” he said.
Calling on the Tenyimi people to continue their traditional role of leadership and guardianship, Kenye urged them to promote unity, peace and good governance while remaining guided by logic, reason and faith.
Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse also stressed the importance of preserving Tenyimi unity and promoting the Tenyidie language.
She said the Tenyimi people share a common ancestry traced to Makhel in present-day Manipur and that their historical, linguistic and cultural ties should continue to serve as a foundation for solidarity.
Kruse urged the community to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect while encouraging collaboration with other tribal and civil society organisations across Nagaland, stating that the progress of one community should contribute to the progress of all Nagas.
Advisor for NSDMA and Inland Waterways Z Nyusietho Nyuthe also addressed the gathering.
The session also adopted four resolutions, including support for the Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee's initiatives to promote Naga unity and safeguard Naga rights and aspirations.
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The house also condemned the killing of six Nagas in Kangpokpi district of Manipur and demanded that the perpetrators be identified, arrested and awarded the highest punishment under the law.
Other resolutions expressed concern over crimes against women and children and pledged support to Ura Academy in promoting and developing Tenyidie as a medium of communication among Tenyimi communities and the Nagas at large.
Earlier, greetings were delivered by TPO president Timikha Koza, while TUN president Kekhwengulo Lea delivered the presidential address and Dr. Tumda Newme presented the general secretary's report.
The session also witnessed the declaration of new office bearers for the 2026–2029 tenure, with KT Vilie elected president, Khinyi Woch vice-president and Khriehuzo Lohe general secretary.