Kohima: S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, delivered a blunt warning at the Tsungremmung Festival 2026. Addressing the crowd at Salang Lenden in Longsa village on Saturday, he identified tribal, organisational, and factional fractures as the primary threats to Naga stability. Division is winning. He argued that the unity which secured Nagaland statehood in 1963 has eroded, leaving even apex groups like the Naga Hoho fractured and ineffective.
Yimkhiung did not mince words regarding the path forward. He stated, "The weakening of unity among the Naga people, marked by growing tribal, organisational and factional divisions, poses a serious challenge to lasting peace and a collective future." He insisted that restoring order is a duty for every individual, not just the political class.
Guest of Honour G Ikuto Zhimomi shifted the focus toward cultural preservation. He noted that tribal identities reside in attire, songs, dances, and cuisine. Zhimomi suggested that these traditions offer real economic upside, pointing to tourism as a way to turn music and crafts into community assets. He described the festivals as vital links between ancestors and the youth.
Chief Host and Minister for Rural Development Metsubo Jamir echoed these sentiments. He urged the crowd to maintain solidarity beyond mere festival dates. The event, supported by the Tourism Department of Nagaland and the Longsa Village Council, opened with a traditional Arr Atsutsü vine-pulling ceremony. Performances from Sangphur and Surumi village troupes followed, accompanied by various indigenous games and folk presentations.
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