Advisor Hekani Jakhalu calls on women to bridge Naga divisions; Dr Anungla Aier elected new President
Over 700 delegates from three apex women’s bodies—Watsü Mungdang, Lotha Eloe Hoho (LEH), and Sumi Totomi Hoho (STH)—gathered at the Town Hall in Mokokchung on Friday for the first General Conference of the Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA).
Marking a milestone in inter-tribal women’s unity, the conference saw the election of Dr Anungla Aier as CNWA President for the 2025–2028 term. She will be joined by Vice Presidents Zujano Patton and Mughaholi A Chopi, and Joint Secretary Lily Sumi. The CNWA, formed to strengthen cooperation among the three Central Naga tribes, will rotate leadership posts to ensure balanced representation and ownership.
Outgoing president K Atoli Sema, in her address, recounted how the CNWA was conceptualized during a 2022 get-together organized by the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC). She said the formation of the association marks a new chapter in women’s collective leadership and inter-tribal cooperation.
Gracing the occasion as special guest, MLA and Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, delivered a powerful address urging women to take a leading role in mending the divisions within Naga society.
“Naga society is too fragmented… there’s always the blame game and we never reflect,” she remarked, acknowledging deep-rooted divisions across political, national and even religious lines.
Addressing the oppositionless government in the state, Jakhalu revealed, “In a democracy, having an opposition is healthy. But because of too many divisions—be it among overground groups, between Naga National groups, or even within the Church—Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has asked the 60 MLAs to speak with one voice”.
In such a fractured society, Jakhalu said women can become the voice of reason and healing. She observed that while men often struggle with issues of power and ego, women have the choice to either escalate tensions or ease them through understanding and compassion. “Women have the ability to protect and save the Naga family,” she said.
Addressing the rising issue of youth unemployment, the Advisor appealed to mothers and parents to instill in their children a respect for all forms of work. She criticized the prevailing mindset that views fourth-grade jobs or roles like serving tea or being a chowkidar as undignified. “Teach the dignity of labor,” she urged, while also asking parents to stop pressuring children into competitive exams, stating that today’s youth have a broader range of opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, CNTC President Khondao Ngully called for mutual respect, honesty, cooperation, and consultation among the tribes. A message from Ao Senden, delivered by General Secretary Imtipokyim, hailed Advisor Jakhalu as a “forerunner” within the Central Nagaland family.
Watsü Mungdang President Tianaro Jamir affirmed her organisation’s full support to CNWA.
“We will contribute our best and stand by CNWA to the best of our abilities,” she said.