Mtesuding Heraang, President of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), while extending greetings at the 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) held in Chungtia Village, called on the Ao community and Naga youth to work towards unity and the preservation of Naga identity.
“Since 1929, AKM has contributed to Naga society. Aos were the first torchbearers, and we must not lose that touch,” Heraang said.
He noted that today, Naga society faces fragmentation, tribalism, and challenges from self-administration zones. “We have to break the ice. Aos must come forward to rescue the Naga people. It is time for the youth and student community to think about bringing Naga people together,” he added.
Recalling NSF’s history, Heraang said, “Since 1949, NSF has been standing for the rights of the Naga people. Today, many young people misunderstand what NSF is. NSF was not formed only to address student issues, but to envision a Naga land and stand for the rights of the Nagas.”
However, he asserted that NSF has never diverted from the mission to stand for the students and will continue to stand strongly for the cause of the students.
He also recalled historical milestones, noting that since 1918, the Naga Club and the 1929 Simon Commission recognized that Naga people are free and should have the right to self-determination. NSF, formed in 1947, aimed to take forward the Naga movement through the student community. Heraang challenged political groups to be sincere and transparent, urging politicians to act honestly.
On the Inner Line Pass(ILP), he said, “It is a gift from the British government, given to protect Naga identity. I appeal to the government to work hand in hand to impose the ILP more seriously.”
Speaking on youth priorities, Zuchobemo Jungio, President of CNSA, said, “The need of the hour is to build skills, values, and knowledge to move forward. We must have thoughts beyond boundaries and aim to be skilled rather than unskilled despite education.”
Metsubo Jamir, Minister, RD & SIRD, who delivered an exhortation, said that one cannot understand future visions without first reflecting on the visions of the pioneering leaders. He emphasised that the strength of tomorrow lies in the youth and urged them to courageously make use of the legacy left behind by the elders, as they are the rightful heirs of the future.
He mentioned that society is increasingly becoming self-centred and individualistic, and stressed that survival is possible only through unity. Unity, he said, does not mean hundreds or thousands coming together, but is realised when people respect one another, help one another, and build each other up.
He further stated that identity is lost when language and culture are lost. “You lose your identity as an Ao when you lose your language, culture, and traditions,” he added and therefore we should preserve our roots and our culture.
