Kohima: Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along challenged students to trade tribalism for collective strength during the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) Collegiate Meet 2026. Held at Patkai Christian College on October 21, the event drew representatives from 26 colleges.
Along dismissed the idea that political agitation like the Jantar Mantar protests or instability in Nepal and Bangladesh should serve as models for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. He pushed for a focus on nation-building, knowledge, and prosperity instead. “The first requirement for overcoming challenges is courage,” Along said. He warned that true courage involves building society rather than forming unions to oppose other communities.
The Minister urged students to use social media responsibly, cautioning that a thin line separates understanding from ignorance. He also appealed for peace regarding the ongoing conflict in Manipur. He stressed that innocent people in both Naga and Kuki communities should not suffer. He tasked students to act as bridges rather than agents of division.
NSF President Mteisuding Heraang took the stage to announce that the state government officially approved the Powered 60 initiative in September. First proposed in December, the program offers free, year-long coaching to 60 civil service aspirants from economically underprivileged backgrounds, one from each Assembly constituency. Heraang noted the NSF visited conflict-affected areas in Manipur during June and August, urging Nagas to maintain solidarity across state lines.
Addressing internal divisions, Heraang admitted that the community is currently fragmented. He urged students to look past tribal boundaries, as the NSF works to unite Nagas across Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. Medovi Rhi, Convenor of the Central Organising Committee, reminded attendees that growth begins where comfort ends.
Along acknowledged differing approaches between his office and the NSF but emphasized shared goals. He called for Nagas to produce more civil servants, doctors, and academics to represent the state on a national level. He closed by urging delegates to build lasting friendships across tribal lines, arguing that students have the power to set an example for the state's elder leaders.
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