The funeral of Adinno Z Phizo, president of the Naga National Council (NNC) and eldest daughter of late Naga national leader A.Z. Phizo, will be held at the ABCC Mission Compound Ground in Kohima on Saturday, October 10, with shops and business establishments under the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) scheduled to remain closed during the funeral service.
Phizo, 93, passed away on October 8, 2026, at Bethel Hospital, Kohima, according to the condolence messages issued by Naga organisations.
The funeral service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., following an announcement jointly issued by the NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland in consultation with the bereaved family.
In a notice issued on October 9, KCCI announced that all shops and business establishments under its jurisdiction would remain closed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The chamber’s vice-president (Action), Khriesazo Liezietsu, appealed to members to cooperate and join in mourning with the bereaved family and the Naga people.
Funeral proceedings in Kohima
According to the funeral announcement, the program will include a national procession, reception of the coffin, Christian funeral service, national and public tributes, flower tributes, commendation and Christian commitment.
The proceedings will be followed by a procession to the burial place, where the final rites and prayers will be held at Dzüsie, Khonoma.
A Naga National Funeral Committee constituted by the competent authority will coordinate the arrangements. Further details are to be communicated through the designated channels.
CM Rio and Naga organisations pay tribute
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio mourned Adinno Phizo’s death, describing her as an important figure in Naga political history whose life was closely tied to the legacy of the Naga national movement.
In his condolence message, Rio recalled meeting Adinno at her family home in Bromley, London, in 1990, along with his wife. He said they remained in contact after her return to Nagaland and that he had witnessed her attachment to the Naga people and commitment to the cause she had devoted her life to.
The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) expressed deep sorrow over Phizo’s demise, acknowledging her dedication to carrying forward the responsibilities entrusted to her following the death of her father, AZ Phizo, in 1990. The conference said her commitment to the Naga National Council and the political aspirations it represented would remain part of Naga history. It also extended condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and members of the NNC.
The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Adinno Phizo, describing her as a respected leader whose dedication to the Naga cause and commitment to the Naga people had left a lasting mark on the Naga national movement.
In its condolence message, the AYO said Phizo had discharged the responsibilities entrusted to her with integrity and remained devoted to the ideals she upheld. It said her wisdom, conviction and steadfastness had earned her a place of honor among the Naga people, adding that her contributions would be remembered with respect.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) also mourned her passing, describing her as a custodian of the NNC’s historical legacy. While acknowledging differences in political paths, the organisation recognised the historical role of the NNC under AZ Phizo’s leadership and said Adinno had continued to uphold the legacy she inherited. It extended condolences to the bereaved family, the NNC and the Naga community.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) also expressed grief over the passing of Adinno Phizo, describing her as a prominent figure in Naga political history whose life and leadership were associated with the Naga national movement and its longstanding aspirations.
The NPCC said her passing marked the end of an important chapter in Naga political history, noting her connection with the Naga people’s efforts to preserve their identity, history and distinct heritage. The committee extended condolences to the bereaved family, members of the Naga National Council and all those mourning her death, and prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
The NSCN-YA also mourned the passing of Adinno Phizo, describing her as a leader who carried a significant historical responsibility as the daughter of Naga leader AZ Phizo and who stepped forward to lead the Naga National Council (NNC).
In a condolence message issued on October 9, the organisation said Phizo remained dedicated to serving the Naga people through the challenges faced by the Naga national movement. It acknowledged her decades of service and leadership, stating that her resilience and commitment to the Naga nation would remain part of the collective memory of the Naga people and inspire future generations.
The NSCN-YA extended condolences to the NNC, her bereaved family members and loved ones, and prayed for her soul to rest in eternal peace.
Meanwhile, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) called for greater unity and inclusivity among the Naga people in its condolence message. The forum said Phizo’s life and commitment to the vision of Naga sovereignty should inspire people to embrace one another across political and other differences. It stressed that reconciliation must recognise diversity and be rooted in a shared aspiration for justice, peace and dignity. The FNR also offered prayers for comfort and strength for the bereaved family and all those mourning her death.