The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Youth Wing, Mokokchung Division, held its Leadership Meet 2026 at the Division Office here on Friday on the theme, “Empowering Youth Voices for a Transformative Future.”

The programme was attended by youth leaders and party functionaries, with Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD and Minister-in-charge of Mokokchung district, as the Guest of Honour. Imnatiba, former MLA and CEC Member, served as the theme speaker,

Addressing the NPF Youth Wing Leadership Meet 2026, Metsübo Jamir called upon the youth to develop the ability to stand on their own and cultivate leadership qualities instead of remaining dependent on senior leaders.

Jamir said a leader should not remain dependent on somebody else in order to serve or lead. He said the youth should not see themselves merely as people dependent on their seniors, but should learn to stand on their own and contribute to the “Party.” He said a person could be regarded as an NPF member and leader when they are able to do so.

“Do not be a leader when you are depending on somebody, but be a leader of yourself. Stand up for yourself,” he said, while urging those who depend entirely on senior leaders to change their lifestyles and approach to leadership.

He said the youth have a crucial role to play in shaping the future, and expressed concern that local people were falling behind outsiders in terms of work and individual initiative. He observed that people from outside the state have learned to work within Nagaland, while locals themselves were sometimes lacking behind, which he described as a matter of concern.

In this context, he stressed the need for individual effort, capability and leadership qualities among the youth. He said the youth should not simply look towards existing leaders for direction, but should demonstrate how leadership could be exercised from their own perspective.

“Do not look at our leadership. You should show us how to lead from your point of view,” he said, emphasising that the younger generation would determine the party’s future.

“Our vision, our hope, is you—the youths of tomorrow. Our hope is our youths. Whom do we hope if not you?” he said.

Jamir cautioned the youth against seeking leadership while remaining dependent on others, saying such an approach was not healthy for the party or for leadership. He said he wanted to see a change in this regard.

Speaking on the identity of the NPF, Jamir also urged the youth to be careful and clear about the party’s identity and position. Referring to the present political arrangement, he said Nagaland may have an “oppositionless government,” but it does not have an “oppositionless party.”

He said the present arrangement should be understood in the context of the objective of “Unity for Solution,” under which all 60 MLAs have come together to convey to the people of Nagaland that the legislators are united. He said such unity is intended to bring together communities and the different underground groups and ultimately contribute towards peace and a solution to the Naga political issue.

Jamir said the initiative was being led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the PDA members, but clarified that the NPF has not become an oppositionless party. He said the NPF would join hands with the BJP in the functioning of the government and governance and work together for better governance, but maintained that this did not mean that the two parties had come together as political parties.

“We have our own party manifesto. We will work on that,” he said, adding that party workers must strive for the betterment and strengthening of the NPF. He also stressed that strengthening the PDA was important.

Dwelling on the party’s organisational structure and the importance of the grassroots, Jamir explained the purpose of having a hierarchy from the unit and Assembly Constituency level to the division and central levels. He said information about problems and situations reaches the grassroots first, using floods as an example: people at the ground level would know about a flood and its impact before those at higher levels.

“At the grassroots, you know better the problems, weaknesses and dangers,” he said, explaining that the step-by-step organisational system exists to ensure that such information moves through the proper structure.

He told the youth that their positions within the party should not be used merely to project themselves as leaders. Rather, they have been placed at different levels to understand grassroots development, identify weaknesses and become more aware of the issues affecting the people.

He also asked them to remain aware of the motives and activities of other political parties and to use their grassroots position to better understand the situation and strengthen the NPF.

“You are the foundation of this party. We are just the roof. If the foundation is weak, we all go down,” Jamir said, stressing the importance of a strong and active youth base.

Reflecting on the meaning of politics, he said politics was essentially about a group of like-minded people coming together for a common cause and working and serving towards that cause. He encouraged the youth to bring forward good ideas and allow such ideas to be heard and considered.

On political leadership, Jamir stressed the importance of leadership qualities and said people naturally follow leaders who genuinely serve and work for their welfare. He also urged the youth to be mindful of the changing aspirations of the people and the need to advance as a tribe while remaining careful and responsible in their approach.

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In his address, theme speaker Imnatiba reflected on the political history and leadership of Mokokchung district, referring to the district’s recognition as a “Pioneer District.”

Against this backdrop, he said the NPF Youth Wing Mokokchung Division, after deliberation, should take up a meaningful initiative to establish a “Nagaland Pioneers and Heritage Centre” in Mokokchung.

Imnatiba said the proposed centre should be developed as a place for educational and study tours, attracting students and visitors from different communities and serving as a destination for tourists interested in Naga history and heritage. He suggested that the centre should be developed to a standard that represents Nagaland and its historical legacy.

Referring to the growth and recognition of the Hornbill Festival, which he described as a festival that has gained international recognition, Imnatiba said such initiatives grow when they receive collective support and appreciation from the people.

He urged the NPF youth to prepare a proper proposal and concept for the heritage centre and place it before the Chief Minister, whom he described as the right person to approach, noting that it was during his leadership that Mokokchung was accorded the recognition of a “Pioneer District.” He expressed confidence that, with a proper proposal and the right initiative, the project could be taken forward.

The oath-taking and induction of 23 youth leaders was administered by Repameren Yaden, President, NPF Mokokchung Division. The inducted youth leaders represented seven Assembly Constituencies, including 22 Arkakong (2), 23 Impur (4), 24 Angetyongpang (2), 25 Mongoya (2), 26 Aonglenden (2), 27 Mokokchung Town (5), and 29 Jangpetkong (6). Of the 23 inducted leaders, four were men and 19 were women.

In his welcome address, Takonungsang Pongen, President of the NPF Youth Wing Mokokchung Division, said an association or organisation cannot remain meaningful without activities and engagement. He observed that unity is strengthened when members come together and actively participate in programmes and activities.

He said the Leadership Meet was organised out of the need to bring the division unit together, adding that the initiative was resolved and undertaken within the division and approved by the central as a small programme to strengthen unity and coordination among its members.

Pongen also called for greater inclusivity within the party, noting that youth men often tend to focus only on themselves. He emphasised that women are equally important to the party and should be given equal opportunities to participate and contribute and informed about the inclusivity of more women members in the party. He stressed on the need for a collective understanding and approach towards inclusive leadership.

Short speeches were delivered by N. Akok Longkumer, President, NPF Central Youth Wing, and Wapangtoshi K Jamir, President, NPF Youth Wing 22 Arkakong Assembly Constituency.

A party song titled ” NPF Lanur Ola” (Voices of the NPF Youths) was also released by the Guest of Honour during the programme.

The second session was held on “Media Awareness.” Advocate Toshi O Longkumer, Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench, served as the resource person, while Limatongzuk Jamir, Vice President, NPF Youth Wing Mokokchung Division, moderated the session.

The session centred on the topic, “Navigating the Digital Frontier: Media Literacy, Cyber Laws, and Leveraging Media for Political Leadership in Nagaland.” It also included a discussion hour, followed by closing remarks from Temsulong, General Secretary (Admin.), NPF Youth Wing Mokokchung Division.