MLA and Naga People’s Front secretary general Achumbemo Kikon on Thursday called upon Pochury youth to reconnect with their roots and uphold community values, stating that the crisis confronting Naga youth today is not a lack of ability but a lack of conviction.
Addressing the 60th General Conference of the Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) at Wuzu Village, Kikon cautioned that modernisation should not come at the cost of cultural heritage, traditional values, and collective responsibility.
He urged the youth to preserve their cultural identity, including traditional attire and customs, while embracing values of respect, discipline and responsibility.
Recalling the Naga political struggle, Kikon cited an incident in which Naga fighters shot down a Dakota aircraft in the area but treated the captured pilots with dignity in accordance with international norms. He said the episode reflected the ethical codes developed by the Naga movement, which refrained from targeting innocent civilians even during armed confrontation.
Stressing the importance of education, Kikon said academic seriousness was essential and warned against overdependence on gadgets. He said education must go beyond certificates and focus on building knowledge, skills and professionalism.
On electoral behaviour, Kikon criticised prevailing election practices and appealed to youth to reject short-term gains and monetary inducements. He urged them to educate society on responsible voting to ensure long-term development and accountable leadership.
He also called for reconciliation among villages and communities, urging people to rise above linguistic and minor differences and to care for Naga communities beyond the international boundary. Questioning the direction of the future, Kikon asked whether the next sixty years would be guided by the same dignity and discipline that sustained the Naga people through decades of conflict and uncertainty.
Earlier, the inaugural session was addressed by Pochury Hoho president Chonpa Jurry, Naga Students’ Federation president Mteisuding Heraang, and Pochury Women Association president Tvüsesü Peri.
The program was chaired by K Asetsü Thüvüri, with an invocation prayer by Solomon, Pastor, Phor Village CRC. Thutu Thuur, Convenor COC, delivered the welcome address, while Rongley Leyri, PSU president, presented the presidential address. The programme concluded with a benediction by Yipfüchu Jorror, Youth Chairman, PVCRC.
