Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday called upon the Naga people to uphold truth, unity, and the rule of law while preserving their cultural identity and collective responsibility as a society. He was addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Tenyimi Union Dimapur, where he traced the journey of the Tseminyu and Tenyimi people over the last 50 years and reflected on the broader Naga political, social, and cultural landscape.

Expressing gratitude to God for the day and congratulating the Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Rio extended his warm greetings to the Tseminyu fraternity across the State and beyond. He commended the Union’s President, Thepfuneituo Rio, and his colleagues for hosting what he termed a “mega meeting” befitting the historic occasion. Paying homage to the pioneers and visionary leaders who founded the Union, he said, “For 50 years, God has been faithful and we are progressing. Our traditions, values, and accommodative spirit occupy a central place in the social and political fabric of Naga society.”

Emphasizing that unity is the foundation of progress, Rio, who was the Chief Host of the programme, urged the Tenyimi communities to strengthen their brotherhood and lead by example in fostering peace and understanding among all Naga tribes. “As you are aware, the first institution is the family, the clan, and the tribe, the community. Therefore, we being a major group, I think if we can unite, we will send a positive message to our Naga brothers, different tribes. I feel that we will have better understanding and cooperation and to have peace in our land so that collectively we will have our future,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister reflected on Naga history, noting that when the British first arrived, they found Nagas “naked, semi-naked and headhunting,” yet recognized their democratic village systems, strong customary laws, and community spirit. “They called us savage, but they call us savage wisdom, wisdom in the save life—for our practice of complete democracy in our villages, governed by collective responsibilities,” he said, adding that the British introduced Christianity, education, governance, and the rule of law, which transformed Naga society.

“We are no more free Nagas. We are conscious what is right and what is wrong. And therefore, to do one family, one clan, one tribe, and one Naga, as privileged people, as stated, we should be responsible to make the whole Nagas united,” he asserted.

Rio urged the people to rise above individualism, clanism, and tribalism to embrace “Nagaism”. “As we have so many tribes, so many civil societies, so many organizations, we have to give up that “isms” and come to the level of Nagaism, broad-minded, Naga family, so that all our prayers, our issues can be resolved within ourselves and with others also,” he said.

Stating that Britishers had given a protection when they administered some of the Naga areas, Rio said Nagas were thoroughly divided—Nagas in four states, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He also said that in Nagaland there are ENPO, CNTC and TPO.  He said to move forward and address issues, the ultimate goal should be unity of the Nagas and expressed hope that with Tenyimi unity, they can contribute to the unity of the Nagas.

Speaking on constitutional safeguards, Rio highlighted the importance of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 and Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which protect Naga land, resources, and customary laws.

He stated that Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873, brought in Inner Line Regulation, Inner Line Permit, which protected the culture, tradition, customary laws of the Nagas and later when Nagas came under the Indian Union, they wanted to continue the British law given to protect the Nagas.

He also said that after this came Article 371 (A), which also gave protection to the Nagas’ rich culture, traditions and customary laws. However, Nagas are in a transition, have Naga issue and local issues with all neighbours. “Therefore, when we unite, matter will be resolved without any problem,” he asserted.

However, he cautioned that these protections are being questioned in court. He informed the gathering that a suo moto case was filed by the Court that land and its resources belonging to the people. “Only Nagaland has land and its resources belonging to the people. In Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, they have the protection of Article 371 B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, but none has the right of minerals,” he said, “But the question is, it is in court and the debate—the contest is who is the owner.”

“We are sitting over the rich petroleum deposit, the minerals, the gas and the rich minerals, but this could not be exploited because of that question, of that contest in the court,” he said adding, “So, we are rich, but we remain poor because unity and that cohesion to fight as one, we are fighting for our own individual right.”

He said the Naga issue is not addressed because it was gone into so many factions. “It is by design or default, our adversaries would like to divide us and rule upon us. So, unity is the ultimate goal and it is the answer,” he asserted.

Addressing the issue of Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio reminded citizens and village authorities of their responsibility to ensure authenticity in issuing indigenous certificates. “In your village, if non-Nagas are there, Indian citizen or illegal migrants, it is your responsibility to report to the authority or if they are not, they are Indian citizen, they should possess the permit,” he said.

Stating that some non-Nagas, including the Indian citizens particularly who had reside in urban areas including Nepalis and Gorkhas and plain people, have got indigenous certificate, Rio said it was not right. “ That’s why we introduced this Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland. And who is the authority?,” he asked.

He said the village is the ultimate authority to certify certain person as indigenous and no authority can certify. He also clarified that Nagas are indigenous in their own territories, while other tribal communities are indigenous in theirs, further stating that those who are here before the cut off year or even before India independence also cannot become indigenous.

“If false recommendation certification is done, then it becomes a criminal case, which is punishable under the law. So, those who had received, the non-Nagas or even say Nagas in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal, they are indigenous in their own place and we are indigenous in our own place,” he explained.

Stating that there is a move in 16-Point Agreement, the integration of Naga contiguous areas, Rio said,

“If we all come under one umbrella, one government, we will be equal indigenous inhabitants,” but stressed on protecting the sanctity of villages and jurisdictions.

Rio further disclosed that during the introduction of RIIN, the Government cited 1970 notification including any Nagas of Nagaland and then four tribes—Kuki, Kachari, Garo and Mikirs. However, he said those they are tribal people, they are almost in all states in the Northeast. “That’s why unless they certify, they do enumeration, there are chances of migration and issue of wrong certificates,” he explained.

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He further said that the four tribes refused to do enumeration and went to High Court and brought a stay order. “High Court cannot give an indigenous certificate. They cannot certify that they are indigenous,” he clarified.

The Chief Minister further reminded that while Nagas must protect their rights, they must also not harass genuine Indian citizens. “We are against illegal migrants, not Indian citizens. We must be careful and just,” he said.

Explaining the Naga system of governance, Rio elaborated on the evolution from Village Councils, Range Councils, to Tribal Councils, noting that Naga democracy is based on selection, not election, and must be preserved under the 16-Point Agreement and Article 371(A). He informed that the State Government has compiled customary laws of all Naga tribes and is working towards a common customary law framework.

Rio also stressed the importance of preserving the Tenyidie language as a means of strengthening cultural identity. “When someone speaks your language, somebody in foreign land also, or anywhere, they speak our language to you, then you definitely  have some immediate affinity and confidence,” he said and urged the Tenyimi community to promote Tenyidie among younger generations.

Rio further called for collective responsibility and truthfulness. He said in Dimapur if people, leaders come to together and resolved these issues, then the whole Naga area can be resolved anytime. “And we can protect our rights, our indigenous rights,” he added.

TR Zeliang calls for renewed Tenyimi unity and collective progress

Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang releasing the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of Tenyimi Union Dimapur

Speaking on the occasion as Co-Host, Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang called upon the Tenyimi people to uphold and strengthen their unity, identity, and brotherhood while advancing together in peace and progress.

Extending his heartiest congratulations to the Tenyimia Union Dimapur for “upholding the torch of Tenyimia brethren together for the last 50 years in this commercial city,” Zeliang said the milestone is not only a celebration of the Union’s journey but also an occasion to reflect on the shared history and enduring bond of the Tenyimia people.

He highlighted that the Tenyimia family—comprising several tribes sharing close ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties—has been bound by ideals of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared ancestry.

“From the early days of inter-tribal collaboration to the present, the Tenyimia people have maintained this spirit of unity, even as our communities have grown and diversified across regions,” he said.

Emphasizing the need for stronger solidarity, Zeliang urged that unity should go beyond symbolism and be rooted in collective responsibility. “Unity should not merely be symbolic, but based on preserving our identity, strengthening our voice, and advancing our collective development,” he asserted.

Zeliang recalled that the formation of the Tenyimia Union Dimapur in 1975 was a significant step in preserving and strengthening the community bond, especially in a diverse environment like Dimapur. Over the past five decades, the Union, he said, has served as a bridge promoting understanding, addressing common concerns, and fostering peaceful coexistence among all Tenyimia tribes.

Lauding the past and present leaders and members of the Union for their tireless service, Zeliang said their efforts have “strengthened the Tenyimia family and contributed meaningfully to the social fabric of Nagaland.”

Speaking on the significance of Tenyidie, President of Ura Academy and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu emphasized that Tenyidie serves as the common language of the Tenyimia group and plays a vital role in preserving the identity and unity of the Naga people.

He recalled that the first Literature Committee was formed in 1939 by Rev. J.E. Tanquist, an American missionary, with the objective of creating a uniform writing system for Naga students. Pioneers such as Lhouleinyü Suokhrie, Rüzükhrie Sekhose, Krusiehu Belho, and George W. Supplee laid the foundation for the Tenyidie language and its development.

Highlighting the academic progress of Tenyidie, Dr. Liezietsu noted that it was introduced at the college level in 1988 and at the postgraduate level in 1977 under Nagaland University. Since then, the department has produced over 300 M.A. graduates and several Ph.D. scholars. He also informed that Ura Academy has been pursuing the inclusion of Tenyidie in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Dr. Liezietsu underscored the importance of promoting Tenyidie as a medium of instruction alongside other Tenyimia languages. In conclusion, he reminded the gathering, “We are Tenyimia by blood and not by choice,” affirming that Tenyidie is the language that binds and defines the Tenyimia family.

MLA of 48 Mao Assembly Constituency, Manipur, Losii Dikho in his address, expressed pride in representing the six Tenyimi MLAs from Manipur and conveyed their solidarity and respect to the Tenyimi community in Dimapur. He urged the community to preserve their culture, unity, and traditional values, particularly among the younger generation.

Encouraging the promotion of Tenyidie, Dikho announced plans to organize youth programmes and competitions in Manipur to help popularize the language. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Tenyimi unity and brotherhood, calling for collective effort to preserve their shared heritage

The presidential address was delivered by Thepfuneituo Rio while Timikha Koza, president, TPO extended greetings. Earlier, the main celebration at DDSC Stadium commenced with the blowing of the Jubilee Trumpet by Thirainü Venya

Meanwhile, newly elected office bearers of TUD for the tenure 2024–2027 were also announced  with Thepfuneituo Rio as President, John Kape, Lhikedu Chiero, and Kenilo Rengma as Vice Presidents, and Anilo Rengma as General Secretary, among others.