Calls for unity over tribal divisions; Phom highlights need for collective action on development challenges
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Mokokchung (ENPUM) held its 54th General Session 2026 at Mokokchung Town Hall under the theme “One Voice, One Vision: Building a Stronger Eastern Nagaland” on April 25.
Former ENPO President Tsapikiü Sangtam attended the program as the special guest, while Additional SP Zunheboto, Tiamenla Phom, was the guest of honour.
Sangtam described Mokokchung as central to the Eastern Naga community, stating that the town has long served as a shared space for multiple tribes.
“Mokokchung town was and is very important for Eastern Nagaland,” he said, adding, “there are about seven to eight eastern tribes in the town but in a place like Mokokchung town we should consider ourselves as one community or more like one village.”
Highlighting the historical role of ENPUM, he noted that while the parent Eastern Naga body is about 25 years old, the Eastern Naga presence in Mokokchung spans over five decades, starting from 1889. He said Eastern Nagas in Mokokchung had long participated in local administrative structures, including the appointment of Dobashis, entrepreneurship and stressed that the Mokokchung unit should be respected as reflective of the larger Eastern Naga body.
Sangtam described Mokokchung as a “nerve point,” stating that developments in the town, both positive and negative, tend to influence the wider Eastern Naga community. He said the significance of ENPUM lies in this wider impact.
Calling for unity, he urged Eastern Nagas to move beyond internal divisions. “Do away with tribalistic mindset. We can be economically backward but not mentally,” he said, while questioning, “Why can’t Eastern people respect within ourselves? Why are we so tribalistic?”
He also called for “unity in diversity,” describing ENPO as “one family” that must remain cohesive.
Speaking at the event, Tiamenla Phom spoke on the need for unity among Eastern Nagas, stating that a stronger Eastern Nagaland can only emerge through “one voice.” She said that achieving such unity would require time, patience, trust, and understanding, adding that the collective voice must remain in harmony.
Reflecting on her personal connection to Mokokchung, she recalled her childhood in the town and shared how ENPUM had struggled two to three decades ago, even lacking basic arrangements for meetings. She said that while circumstances have improved over the years, there remains a pressing need to strengthen a unified voice to collectively address issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and administrative services.
She further stressed that development should be measured not just by infrastructure but by the delivery of quality education to remote villages.
The session also saw the announcement of the new ENPUM team for the 2026–2029 tenure. Chubakumba (Chang) was elected President, with Nokyam (Konyak) as Vice President. Nohochem Sangtam will serve as General Secretary, while Dr Rigingkum (Yimkhiung) was appointed Assistant General Secretary. Khahshen (Konyak) was named Finance Secretary, S Chuba (Phom) as Executive Chairman, Y Among (Yimkhiung) as Advisor, and N Chuba (Phom) as Treasurer.
The session concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility and coordinated efforts towards addressing the developmental challenges faced by Eastern Nagaland.
