‘Naga society facing leadership crisis today’

Morung Express News
Kohima | June 23

Despite having so many organisations and leaders in their own capacity, Naga society is facing a crisis today – leadership crisis.

This observation was made by Angami Public Organisation (APO) President, Razouvotuo Chatsu who is also the Convenor, Advisory Board of the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN).

Speaking at the first foundation of the TUN held under at theme ‘Peace through unity’ at Kohima Village VDB Hall, Ziekezou, Kohima on June 22, he noted with concern that this crisis has resulted in an overabundance of leaders but lacking the essential qualities such as God-fearing, honesty, integrity, truthfulness and genuine love for one another.

Emphasising on the need to mould, build, and nurture leaders who are guided by a fear of God, he reminded the gathering of ‘our’ forefathers who lived with high moral values, ethics and character. 

He maintained that with the ‘birthing’ of social organisations today, it is imperative for leaders to introspect and question their sincerity and dedication such as “are we leading our society as God-fearing men and women? Are we truly listening to His direction and our inner voices? Do we genuinely care for each other, or are our concerns merely superficial?”

Towards this end, reminding the leaders the wisdom and truthfulness, trustworthy lives of ‘our’ forefathers which serve as a benchmark for all, Chatsu asserted ‘to regain their past glory, we must ask ourselves: what should we do?’ adding that the answers lies within oneself.

He also shared his concern on why many civil society organizations (CSOs) often failed to sustain attributing it to the issues of money. Although it is a fact that no organisation can sustain without money, Chatsu iterated that it is crucial to use funds judiciously.

Calling the leaders of TUN and all its units to set a role model for others to follow, he said, it is time to remind ourselves, re-examine our actions, and rededicate our efforts. ‘By doing so, we can strive to restore the integrity and trust that once defined our leadership through our forefathers’ stated Chatsu.

Appreciating the founding members for their far sightedness in forming TUN, Helievi-o Solo, Chairman, Kohima Village Council said it is has become imperative to keep our culture, traditions, bond of friendship and preserve the values of unity and integrity of the Tenyimia people alive for posterity.

Sadly noting the fragmented Naga society today due to many ‘unthinkable motives and reasons’, he asserted on the need for the TUN and Tenyimia community elders to stand united and stand for truth and justice.

“A time has come for all the Tenyimia people to come together and build a strong society that can withstand all adversaries. We must be the bridge between different communities, villages, speak for the lesser privilege and give voice to the voiceless” stated Solo.

He also maintained that elders of the community, must conscientize the younger generation about its genealogy, roots, rich cultural heritage, a sense of respect for the elders as the epitome of our thriving community, to uphold and protect ones roots and imbibe a culture of maintaining our identity and dignity to prevent outside forces to dominate or manipulate ‘our’ people in our own respective lands.

Solo also emphasised on the importance of having interaction and talk between the Tenyimi to discuss any issues, rather than using social media as a platform, which he stated has the tendency to aggravate issues and situations.

He suggested on organising regular interactions through webinars, seminars to promote native songs, folk dances, stories, indigenous games and sports, local festivals and also village exchange programmes especially for the youth.

Kekhwengulo Lea, TUN president; Zhonelü Tunyi, President Tenyimi Women Union Nagaland (TWUN) and Advovate Timikha Koza, President TPO also spoke on the occasion.

TUN 5-point resolutions

Meanwhile, TUN has adopted 5-point resolutions by acknowledging Kohima Village Council for hosting of the 1st Foundation day celebration and the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) for hosting the 1st Tenyimi Christian Leaders Meet at Pfutsero on March 26, 2024.

TUN also extend its congratulations to the newly elected Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir by representing Naga people to the world largest democratic Parliament at Delhi and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.

It has also appealed to all Naga National workers and Naga Civil Society leaders to work harder and abide by the true spirit of Christian principle to forgive and forget any human errors and differences of the past, and come together and move forward to achieve the desired goal of honourable and acceptable Naga solution.

TUN appealed to all Tenyimi religious leaders, political leaders and officers to maintain and uphold the Tenyimi good inherent traditional values of equitable justice and humble themselves in their respective field of works and activities.

While extending its solidarity to the ENPO over their struggle for developments and upgradation of the living conditions in ENPO areas, TUN has appealed the ENPO not to dislodge the hard-earned unification of Nagaland and declaration of Nagaland from excluded area (free Nagas) by our pioneers in 1955.

TUN also appealed to all persons in the authority to conduit ULB (i.e. Municipal & Town council) elections in a free and fair manner under peaceful environments, and urged all electorate to exercise their franchise consciously so as to elect the right candidate to represent their respective wards.

TUN stands in solidarity and support the resolution adopted in Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 1, 2024 to reconsider the decision of border fencing between Myanmar and India by the Government of India, which if implemented will divide our Naga brothers and sisters in the region and adversely affect their free movement for their daily economic activities as well as social life obligations. TUN opposed the proposed cultivation of palm oil along the border areas of Nagaland as it will destroy all our virgin forest and strip-off our future economy.

The resolution was appended by Kekhwengulo Lea, Khinyi Woch, Ado Nyusou, Dr. Hiabe Zeliang, Alex Chasie and Neilo Khape.