Minister Metsübo Jamir addressed the NPF Youth Wing Leadership Meet 2026 in Mokokchung, discussing the PDA arrangement and youth leadership.
MOKOKCHUNG — Referring to the present political arrangement under the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), Minister for Rural Development and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Metsübo Jamir, on August 14 observed that while Nagaland may have an “oppositionless government", it does not have an “oppositionless party".
He explained that the arrangement must be understood in the context of the objective of “unity for solution", under which all 60 MLAs have come together to demonstrate collective resolve to the people of Nagaland.
Jamir, who is the Minister-in-charge of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Mokokchung Division, was speaking as the guest of honour during the Leadership Meet 2026 organised by the NPF Youth Wing, Mokokchung Division, at the division office on the theme "Empowering youth voices for a transformative future”.
Such unity, he said, aims to bring communities and different underground groups together and ultimately contribute to peace and a lasting solution to the Naga political issue.
Specifying the nature of the alliance, Jamir stated that the initiative is being led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the PDA members. He asserted that the NPF has not become an oppositionless party.
“We will join hands with the BJP in the functioning of the government and work together for better governance,” he said, adding that this does not mean the two parties have merged.
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“We have our own party manifesto. We will work on that,” he asserted, urging party workers to strive for the strengthening of the NPF while also recognising the importance of a strong PDA.
To the youth leaders, Jamir called upon them to cultivate the ability to stand on their own and develop genuine leadership qualities rather than remaining dependent on senior leaders.
“A leader should not remain dependent on somebody else in order to serve or lead,” he said. “Do not be a leader when you are depending on somebody, but be a leader of yourself. Stand up for yourself.”
He urged the younger generation not merely to look to existing leaders for direction but to demonstrate leadership from their own perspective, asserting that the party’s future rests with them. “Our vision, our hope, is you, the youths of tomorrow,” he commented.
Highlighting the importance of the party’s organisational structure, Jamir explained that the hierarchy from the unit and assembly constituency levels to the division and central levels exists to ensure that grassroots knowledge of problems, weaknesses and challenges flows upward through proper channels.
Theme speaker Imnatiba, former MLA and CEC Member, reflected on Mokokchung’s recognition as a “Pioneer district” and proposed that the NPF Youth Wing Mokokchung Division take the initiative to establish a “Nagaland Pioneers and Heritage Centre” in the district.
He envisioned the centre as a hub for educational and study tours, attracting students, visitors and tourists interested in Naga history and heritage, and called for it to be developed to a standard befitting Nagaland’s legacy.
Drawing a parallel with the Hornbill Festival’s growth through collective support, he urged the youth to prepare a proper proposal and place it before the chief minister, expressing confidence that the project could be realised under the right initiative.
The oath-taking and induction of 23 youth leaders, representing seven assembly constituencies—22 Arkakong (2), 23 Impur (4), 24 Angetyongpang (2), 25 Mongoya (2), 26 Aonglenden (2), 27 Mokokchung Town (5) and 29 Jangpetkong (6)—was administered by Repameren Yaden, President, NPF Mokokchung Division. Of the inductees, four were men and 19 were women.
Takonungsang Pongen, President of the NPF Youth Wing, Mokokchung Division, in his welcome address, said the meet was organised to strengthen unity and coordination within the division. He called for greater inclusivity, stressing that women are equally vital to the party and must be given equal opportunities to participate and contribute.
A party song titled “NPF Lanur Ola” (Voices of the NPF Youths) was released by the guest of honour during the programme.
The second session focused on “Media awareness", with Advocate Toshi O Longkumer of the Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench as the resource person.