Adinno feared Naga rights could be compromised if she stepped down: Jasazzo Phizo
Late Adinno Phizo, president of the Naga National Council (NNC), was laid to rest following a funeral ceremony at the ABCC Mission Compound Ground in Kohima, where family members and Naga organisations paid tribute to her decades-long commitment to the Naga national movement.
Born on April 14, 1932, Phizo served as NNC president from April 30, 1990, following the demise of her father, AZ Phizo, until her death on October 8, 2026, at the age of 94.
In an emotional tribute, her younger brother, Jasazzo Phizo, recalled their close personal bond, with his sister and her unwavering commitment to the Naga political cause, stating that she continued to hold the organisation’s presidency not out of personal ambition but out of a sense of responsibility.
Jasazzo described his sister as a mother figure who had cared for him from childhood, recalling their years of imprisonment, separation for five decades and eventual reunion in Nagaland.
He said he was only one year and three months old when the family was imprisoned at Nagaon Special Jail, before being sent to Shillong, where his sister continued to look after him.
“She took care of me till 1962, when she had to leave for London,” he said, adding that the siblings remained separated for 50 years before reuniting following the death of a brother, when she accompanied the body to Nagaland and subsequently stayed back.
Describing their relationship as particularly close, Jasazzo said he had once urged his sister to relinquish the NNC presidency as she advanced in age.
Recalling the conversation, he said she had responded that she would not step down because she feared the younger generation might compromise the rights of the Nagas.
“I am not holding the post of the President of Naga National Council because I want to. I am holding the post because I have to,” Jasazzo quoted his sister as saying.
He said the conversation helped him understand the reasons behind her decision to continue in the position despite her advanced age.
Jasazzo also recalled an interaction with the then Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, who had reportedly asked him to persuade his sister to join the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
According to Jasazzo, the Governor had told him that her joining the NNPGs would bring an end to the Naga political problem.
However, Jasazzo said he had responded that it was not his responsibility to persuade his sister, adding that he subsequently conveyed the matter to her.
Recalling her reaction, he said she had dismissed the suggestion, arguing that those involved did not understand international politics and had been sent to Nagaland without a proper understanding of the issue.
Jasazzo said the exchange further helped him understand his sister’s political position and her determination to remain at the helm of the NNC.
During his speech, he also expressed gratitude to relatives, well-wishers and members of the public who had stood by the family during her brief hospitalisation and the funeral arrangements.
He thanked those who had travelled from distant places, supported the family financially and sacrificed their leave to attend the two-night vigil. He also acknowledged relatives and in-laws who had cared for his sister over the past several years.
He extended his appreciation to members of the medical fraternity who had attended to her during the last four to five years, as well as doctors and staff of Bethel Hospital who provided care until her death.
Jasazzo also thanked those who paid floral and traditional shawl tributes, along with the Federal Government of Nagaland and individuals involved in organising the funeral.
He further sought forgiveness on behalf of his sister for anyone who might have been hurt by her words or behaviour, particularly during interactions in her later years.
Acknowledging that she had lived into her nineties, he said old age could sometimes make a person appear harsh or rude and appealed to those who might have been offended to forgive her before her burial.
“If anyone has been hurt, I pray that you forgive her before her burial, that she may rest in peace,” he said.
Towards the end of the speech, Jasazzo began addressing the question of who would succeed his sister, underscoring the significance of the NNC presidency and the responsibility associated with the position.
APO President, Thejao Vihienuo said Phizo’s life was marked by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to the cause she believed in.
Reflecting on her role in Naga politics, Vihienuo observed that at a time when political leadership in Naga society was largely dominated by men, Phizo demonstrated the ability of women to lead with determination and stand firmly by their principles.
He acknowledged that her policies and leadership had drawn both admiration and disagreement, noting that her willingness to make difficult decisions and uncompromising approach had earned her devoted supporters as well as critics.
“Yet, regardless of political differences, few could deny the force of her personality or the profound she had on Naga politics,” he stated.
Vihienuo described Phizo as a woman of firm beliefs who remained resolute in her convictions, adding that her life and leadership deserved recognition for the determination with which she pursued her vision.
As the Naga community bid farewell to the late leader, he said her legacy served as a reminder that leadership demanded courage and that conviction carried responsibility.
He concluded by expressing hope that her determination would continue to inspire future generations, praying for the eternal rest of the departed leader.
Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) president, Vezuhu Keyho described the funeral of late Adinno Phizo as a landmark event in the political history of the Naga people, remembering her as a committed leader who upheld the ideology and vision of the Naga National Council (NNC).
Keyho said Phizo had led the Naga people for more than three decades, demonstrating integrity, fortitude and perseverance during challenging times.
He praised her unwavering commitment to the NNC’s principles and the vision of the Naga national government, describing her as an inspiration whose leadership kept the torch of the movement alive.
While expressing grief over her demise, Keyho thanked Almighty God for her life and contributions, noting that despite the burdens she carried for her people, she lived a long and eventful life.
He urged the present generation, particularly those in leadership positions, to emulate her determination and remain faithful to the principles upheld by their predecessors.
Keyho also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the CPO, its constituent organisations and the Chakhesang community.
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In a tribute delivered by NSF president, Mteisuding at her funeral ceremony, the federation conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing her passing on October 8, 2026, at the age of 94, following a brief illness, as the end of a significant chapter in Naga history.
Mteisuding said Phizo assumed leadership of the NNC following the demise of her father, A.Z. Phizo, in 1990, and carried forward the organisation’s historical and political legacy for more than three decades.
He observed that her long association with the Naga movement represented continuity of that legacy through changing times and generations.
Speaking as a young leader, Mteisuding said Phizo’s legacy remained an inspiration for the younger generation, pledging to carry forward the principles and aspirations she upheld.
He said her demise was not only the loss of a prominent leader but also an occasion for the Naga people to reflect on their history, identity and political journey.
The NSF remembered the late leader with respect and prayed for her soul to rest in eternal peace.
The national reflection was delivered by Takuyaba Longkumer of the Ao Region, Naga National Council (NNC), who paid tribute to the late Adinno Phizo and reflected on her legacy and contributions to the Naga national movement.
The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Sumi Region, and the Naga National Council (NNC) also paid tribute to late Adinno Phizo, remembering her lifelong commitment to the Naga national movement and her steadfast defence of the rights and political aspirations of the Naga people.
In their messages, the organisations described her as a dedicated leader who remained committed to the Naga national cause through some of the most difficult periods in the people’s history.
The Sumi Region, FGN, highlighted her commitment to the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, and the Naga voluntary plebiscite of May 16, 1951, describing her demise as the loss of a custodian of Naga history and political conviction.
The FGN described her as a faithful daughter of Nagaland whose life and legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Meanwhile, the NNC announced seven days of mourning, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast, and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
The funeral programme concluded with a message from Minister Rev Dr Rachülie Vihienuo, followed by words of gratitude and the announcement of departure by the Naga National Funeral Committee.
The ceremony featured an opening hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Bible reading by Rev AS Vaoshok of Tangkhul Baptist Church, Kohima, prayer by Rev Noksa Chiu, Finance Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), and the national anthem by UBC Kohima. Floral tributes, a folk song by the Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute, Chetheba, and a special song by Rengma Baptist Church, Kohima, were also part of the programme.
Led by Prof Rosemary Dzüvichü, the proceedings included the national procession, guard of honour and condolence messages, with pianist Sahu Peseyie accompanying the ceremony.
Following the funeral service at the ABCC Mission Compound Ground in Kohima, the cortege departed for Khonoma, where the Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland received it at Dzüsie, Khonoma village.
