Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, Metsubo Jamir has made a passionate call for unity, self-reliance, and a return to values of service and sacrifice among the central Naga tribes.

“I stand here very proud to be a member of the CNTC. After all, no matter what, our three tribes have been spearing the development, the progress, the well-being of our people,” said Jamir, referring to the Sumi, Ao, and Lotha tribes.

He reminded the gathering of the pioneering role played by these communities in Nagaland’s development. “We, bureaucrats, we, politicians, we, pastors, we, teachers—have been the people that have gone to all the nook and corners of our state… giving our happiness, giving our comfort on behalf of the Nagas,” he said.

Speaking at the 5th General Conference of the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) in Dimapur, Jamir noted that the three tribes have historically stepped up to serve not just their own, but the entire Naga community. “Even now, if you go to the other most part of our state, you’ll see teachers from our three tribes trying to teach our people—not about Ao, Lotha, and Sema—but about Nagas as a whole. We should hold our heads high,” he said.

He called on the youth to recognize this collective legacy and continue leading with humility and purpose. “We have been pioneers; we are still willing to be pioneers, and we still can lead Nagaland into a better land,” he affirmed.

On CNSA celebrating silver jubilee this year, Jamir stressed unity as a driving force. “Unity brings us cohesiveness and togetherness. Unity helps us to grow. Diversity is needed, but uniting our thinking is what matters. We have brought glories to our Nagas—not just to the Lotha Nagas, not just to the Sema Nagas. As Nagas, we can accomplish,” he maintained.

He lauded the CNSA and CNTC for coming together and said, “The Central Nagas, we will always be reaching for the well-being and unity among ourselves and among the Naga people as well.”

One of the key messages in Jamir’s speech was a firm caution against what he termed as the growing sense of entitlement among the younger generation. “It is very disturbing to see among our children that literacy is taken as entertainment. I’m educated, so I must get something? No. Education is only an environment for you to get something what you want. It is not something for others to give you because you’re educated,” he said.

He emphasized that education must lead to empowerment, not expectations. “Entitlement is very negative for society. When you think, ‘I’m supposed to get this, I must get it,’ that is not right. It is not the government’s duty to find you jobs just because you hold degrees. Education is giving you the environment to walk, to fight, to strive.”

“Don’t think about unemployment. It is a very difficult race. Think of employing yourself and working to become an employer. Be the boss. No matter how small the job may be… That is self-reliance. That is self-respect,” Jamir encouraged the youth to think beyond government employment

He urged students to take advantage of rural schemes, and said, “Among our community levels, we speak the highest level of English, and we are confident. That confidence can help us sell ourselves and succeed.”

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Despite what he described as “disadvantages and degradations” over the years, Jamir said the three tribes have risen. “We have come far. If you look at the government, bureaucracy—despite all the problems—we are there. Even in the business community, we are there.”

On Nagaland’s ranking as the fourth most literate state, he said, “It is an achievement of our parents, your leaders, and the youth. But education should not become entitlement. It is a power and a tool to seek your future.”

Jamir also made an appeal to the CNSA to strengthen the shared identity of the central tribes.

He concluded his speech with hope and conviction: “Nothing is impossible for us. It’s not that we are left behind. We have been living with a sense of investment. Let’s go against anything that says it is impossible—and make it possible.”

CNSA president calls for a break from tribalism

Earlier, CNSA President R Sunep Pongen, in his address, reflected on the association’s origins and the challenges faced in uniting the three tribes. “Our former leaders knew we had to voice out for ourselves. They harnessed the power of possibilities. People said it was not possible to unite us—but they proved them wrong.”

“Our forefathers were warriors, yes—but their disunity led to conflict. Today, we must discard not only the practice but the mindset,” he said. Highlighting the rise of factionalism in Naga society, Pongen stressed that no nation can thrive amidst internal fragmentation. “If disunity could lead a people, we’d be living in a utopia. But it cannot—and it never has,” he warned.

He warned against the persistence of “headhunting mindsets” in today’s society. “Our forefathers fought each other for pride. That gene is still in us. Even today we struggle to unite.”

Calling for an end to tribal pride and disunity, he said, “Let this conference be a place where we leave behind old beliefs and strive for a united Nagaland. This is more than a conference— It’s a consequence convergence of ideas, culture, and vision. It offers a platform to share experiences, challenge perspectives, and foster collaboration that transcends boundaries.”