The 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) General Conference concluded at Chungtia Village on January 15, marking the end of the three-day congregation with over two thousand delegates attending along with dignitaries and invitees.
Addressing the valedictory programme of the 70th AKM General Conference, valedictory guest TN Mannen, IAS (Retd.), Advisor and MLA for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, highlighted youth unemployment as the most critical challenge facing Nagaland today, stating that while youth remain the state’s greatest resource, their potential is yet to be effectively utilised.
Mannen pointed out the paradox of Nagaland being among the most educationally advanced states with a literacy rate of about 98 percent, yet recording one of the highest rates of educated unemployment. He noted that government employment opportunities are steadily shrinking, with only around 2,000 jobs available annually, while nearly 90,000 educated youths remain registered as unemployed.
He further observed that despite high literacy levels, nearly 96 percent of the educated population lacks technical or job-oriented skills, rendering many unemployable for technical and specialized posts.
Emphasizing the need to move beyond dependence on government jobs, Mannen stated that the government sector is already overburdened, with around 70 percent of the state’s development funds spent on salaries, leaving little room for productive investment. He urged youth to explore opportunities in private sectors, entrepreneurship, and self-employment, particularly in tertiary and skill-based industries.
He said the government must play an active role not just as a facilitator but also through direct encouragement, including financial support through government-backed funding mechanisms.
Reflecting on the broader socio-political context, Mannen reminded the youth of the importance of understanding Naga history, political responsibility, and democratic sovereignty, cautioning against prioritizing economic benefits at the cost of long-term political accountability. He reiterated that lasting peace and development would remain elusive until the political issue is resolved.
During the conference, the new office bearers of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) were announced and sworn in. The office bearers include Lanulemba Longchar, Sungratsü (AKTM), as President; Bendangangba, Chungtiayimsen (TKM), as Vice President; Aomayang Longkumer, Waromung (JKTM), as General Secretary; and Arenlong Imsong, Longkong (LKM), as Assistant General Secretary. Imlikokba Kichu of Khensa (OKM) serves as Education Secretary, Akangnungba Aier Longpa (AKTM) as Cultural Secretary, Watinungsang of Aonokpu (JKM) as Sports Secretary, and Nokshimetem Jamir of Longmisa (OKM) as Information Secretary.
Lanutoshi Aier, the outgoing President and Lanulemba Longchar the incoming President delivered their speeches respectively.
The 70th AKM General Conference adopted 5 resolutions.
The 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) General Conference concluded with the adoption of five key resolutions outlining priority areas to be undertaken by the newly elected AKM team.
Among the major resolutions, the conference noted that despite academic excellence, many students struggle to achieve sustainable livelihoods. On that, AKM resolved to focus on strategic skill development through career conclaves that will provide training in entrepreneurship, career guidance, financial literacy, job melas, and research and innovation.
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Addressing concerns over academic sustainability, the conference reviewed the law college established by AKM during its golden jubilee. While acknowledging that the institution has produced several notable individuals, it was observed that it has not been able to keep pace with present academic demands. The AKM office bearers and executive members are therefore directed to coordinate with the Ao Officers’ Telongjem and take necessary steps in this regard.
Another resolution emphasized the creation of a digital and entrepreneurship repository focused on career pathways and entrepreneurial development. As part of this initiative, AKM will organize a series of expert interviews and counselling sessions, with digital content to be disseminated across various social media platforms.
The conference also resolved to form an Act East Policy Implementation Committee to facilitate opportunities for students proficient in English and music, including enrollment in educational institutions and access to economic markets. The committee will additionally focus on skill acquisition, including regional language training in the fields of science and technology and commerce, to enhance job placement prospects in neighbouring states and countries.
In preparation for the AKM centenary celebration in 2029 at Waromung village, the conference resolved to approach the government to seek support for improved transport and communication facilities.
During the programme, outgoing AKM President Lanutoshi Aier and incoming President Lanulemba Longchar delivered their respective addresses. N Manen Pongen, Convenor of the AKM Planning Committee, and Imkongnechit Jamir, Convenor of the Local Planning Committee, presented the vote of thanks, highlighting the collective planning, effort, and sacrifices that contributed to the successful conduct of the conference.
A special prayer for the incoming leadership was led by Rev. Ponen Longchar, Senior Pastor, MTBA. The programme concluded with the singing of “Tatem Salem” by the Mungdang (Jubilee) Choir, followed by a closing ceremony act presented by the Waromung Students’ Union.
It was announced that the 71st AKM General Conference, along with the centenary celebration, will be hosted at Waromung village in Mokokchung district in 2029.
The conclusion of the 70th AKM General Conference was marked by an extravaganza night featuring performances by artists from all six ranges of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang.
During the programme, the Guest of Honour, Imtimenla, Additional Secretary, Government of Nagaland, delivered a speech. Popular groups including Dreamz Unlimited, Hotpot, and Divine Connection also made their appearances, contributing to the variety of performances and added momentum to the concluding evening of the conference.
