Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, on Wednesday urged Chakhesang student leaders to lead with unity and values, stressing that knowledge and culture must go together for meaningful development.
Addressing the 79th General Conference of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) at Zuketsa Local Ground under Phek district as the inaugural guest, Zeliang called upon the community’s student leaders to take the lead, while asserting that development must always go hand in hand with integrity, discipline, unity, and cultural pride.
He commended the CSU for consistently playing a constructive role in shaping students, addressing social concerns, and contributing meaningfully to the development of the Chakhesang community. He stated that student organisations like CSU are not only platforms for representation but also institutions that mould leadership and values, and on this note, he saluted the CSU for its commendable role thus far.

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The Dy. CM said that when knowledge is guided by cultural values, it strengthens identity, builds confidence, and ensures that development does not come at the cost of one’s identity. He encouraged students to pursue excellence in education while proudly preserving their language, traditions, and customary practices.
Zeliang stated that Phek district has immense development potential in agriculture, infrastructure, education, tourism, and human resources. He noted that the district has made steady progress in connectivity and basic infrastructure over the years. He assured that improving road connectivity, market access, and integration of Phek district into the broader development framework of the state remain key priorities.

Referring to data from the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR), Zeliang said that although the Chakhesang tribe is categorised as one of the backward tribes in Nagaland, Chakhesang candidates are performing exceedingly well in competitive examinations such as NPSC and NSSB. This consistent performance, he said, explains why the Chakhesang community has taken a lead in government employment among the backward tribes. He congratulated the students, student organisations, and individuals who have contributed through discipline, mentoring, and personal effort in competitive examinations, adding that their success reflects a strong foundation of knowledge combined with cultural values of perseverance and responsibility.

However, he pointed out that when compared with advanced tribes such as the Ao, Sema, Lotha, and Angami, the Chakhesang community still lags behind, as per P&AR data. He explained that the policy behind reservation is to ensure that weaker or backward communities come at par with advanced communities in the state. Raising a question, he asked whether the community has truly reached that level.

He further stated that the Rengma tribe deserves consideration as one of the backward tribes according to P&AR data, provided they pursue their case separately, and added that other backward tribes’ student bodies should support their genuine demand.

Urging students as future leaders, Zeliang called upon them to sensitise fellow youth about such policies and take them forward with commitment and understanding to ensure continuity of vision and responsibility. With progress comes greater responsibility, he said, encouraging Chakhesang students to take a leading role in fostering cooperation with student bodies of other backward tribes such as the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Zeliang, Pochury, and others.

Leadership rooted in knowledge and culture, he reiterated, must be reflected through unity, mutual respect, and collective growth, adding that development must go hand in hand with integrity, discipline, unity, and cultural pride.

Guest of honour, Kudecho Khamo, Advisor for CAWD & Taxes, said in his address that the world has become increasingly competitive with advancements in science and technology, where identity, culture, and tradition are at risk of being lost. He urged students not to lose themselves in a fast-eroding world but to uphold honesty, hard work, and resilience.

Khamo said the present government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has been working for youth empowerment, development, and the overall growth of the state, and called for peace and unity. He exhorted students to study with purpose beyond aiming solely for government jobs, emphasising the Bible as the foundation, prayer as strength, and integrity as a guiding principle in life.

Delivering greetings, Mteisuding Heraang, President of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), said the organisation was formed not only for students and youth but also to protect the rights and interests of the Nagas. He asserted that the NSF would never shy away from fighting for the cause of students and called for unity among Nagas at all levels, emphasising the need for synergy beginning at the grassroots.

Vezuhu Keyho, President of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), reiterated that despite the existence of various dialects, the Chakhesang community does not discriminate among itself, adding that learning different Chakhesang dialects is beneficial. He highlighted that students must prioritise equipping themselves for the future and stated that peace should be the driving force paving the way for development, unity, and progress with love.
On the occasion, the presidential address was delivered by Pfhülo Sara, President, CSU, while the welcome address was delivered by Kuzhovesa Soho, Convenor, Central Organising Committee (COC). A special song was presented by Wetsote-ü Letro, and a folk song by the Ruzazhomi Students’ Union. The programme was led by Mutsivoyi Kotso, Tribunal General, CSU.

Earlier, Dy. CM Zeliang unveiled a commemorative monolith and also released the CSU magazine.
Later in the afternoon, a cultural session was held with student Folk Song (Quartet) Competition – Lt. Niesatsü Khamo Memorial Trophy – and the Folk Dance Competition – Lt. Zekope Krome Memorial Trophy was also held.
Meanwhile, on February 5 morning Zuketsa Students Union (ZSU) 67th General Session will be held with Dr Neisatuo Mero, MLA 16th Pfutsero Assembly Constituency as Special Guest. Followed by CSU’s seminar on Entrepreneurship and Competitive exams. Later in the evening valedictory session will be graced by Zhothisa Dawhuo, Secretary Women Resource Development as valedictory guest.