KOHIMA : Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K G Kenye on Tuesday cautioned that Naga society is gradually losing its collective voice and leadership, urging all sections of the people to build consensus on the Naga political issue before divisions deepen further.
Addressing the first Annual General Session of the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) held under the theme “Progressive society through Unity,” here, Kenye said the Nagas were passing through a “very sensitive junction” in their history and cautioned that prolonged delays in resolving the political issue were weakening the fabric of society.
“We are very, very close to a critical stage. Things have been dragging on for too long. The political aspect is not looking good,” he said.
Kenye observed that no single organisation today commands the respect or obedience of all Nagas, resulting in a fragmented society.
“We are losing grip on our society. There is no centre of control upon our people anymore. Be it Naga political groups, public organisations or even elected governments, we are losing control over what is happening around us,” he said, describing the situation as “frightening” and “alarming.” Stressing the need for consensus, he warned that a society without a common identity, leadership or guiding institution risked an uncertain future.
The minister said the Tenyimi Union was created not on territorial lines but on shared ancestry, history and customary practices of the five Tenyimi tribes – Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma and Zeliang, making it distinct from organisations formed on geographical considerations.
“Our group is not born out of geography or territorial blocks. Ours is of ethnicity, ancestry and a shared common history,” he said.
According to Kenye, the creation of the union was necessitated by the unique issues faced by the five Tenyimi tribes living within Nagaland’s administrative boundaries, which may not always be relevant to Tenyimi communities residing in neighbouring states.
He clarified that the TUN was neither a cultural nor a political organisation but a platform to deliberate on issues affecting the Tenyimi people in Nagaland while maintaining cordial relations with other Naga communities.
Kenye also urged the union’s leadership to exercise restraint and sensitivity in its functioning, cautioning against actions that could hurt sentiments or create misunderstandings among other Naga tribes.
“Let us not overshadow or try to become too dominant over our other Naga communities. Let good sense, logic and balanced leadership guide our decisions,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse called on the Tenyimi community to strengthen unity, brotherhood and shared cultural values.
She urged the younger generation to uphold the principles of character, compassion and service, while encouraging collaboration with other tribal and civil society organisations for the progress of all Nagas. (Source: PTI)
