Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Nagaland Roads and Bridges Minister G Kaito Aye pushed for greater harmony among the Naga people on September 21. He spoke at a cultural fiesta in Kohima organized by the Angami Students Union. The event featured representatives from 17 Naga tribes. The theme focused on togetherness in culture and harmony.
Aye told the crowd that internal division threatens the future of the state. He warned that tribal silos only lead to stagnation. "We may have a different history, but today we are Naga. Unless we become Naga, nothing will progress. We will become weaker again," he said. He challenged the youth to look beyond their clans to build a stronger society.
Education remains the primary tool for change. Aye labeled schooling the first weapon for students preparing for the workforce. He encouraged young people to ignore employment anxieties and focus on academic performance. He also tasked the students with identifying government shortcomings to help implement corrections. He expects constructive feedback.
The minister tackled social vices as well. He warned against the dangers of drug abuse and alcoholism. He told students to avoid letting technology become an addiction. Meanwhile, Angami Public Organisation president Thejao Vihienuo pushed the attendees to take pride in their heritage. ASU president Diezevisie Nakhro noted that planning for the cultural showcase began last year. The gathering served as a platform for 17 tribal student bodies to share traditions and build new friendships.
Updated at 22nd September 2026 at 9:48am
Other student leaders expanded the scope of the unity call. Naga Students Federation President Mteisuding demanded the youth look beyond the state to Nagas living across the international border. He slammed current government policies for blocking contact with these communities, arguing that such isolation hurts the broader Naga identity. Mteisuding also confirmed the federation recently tried to reach out to Naga student groups in Myanmar to rebuild those severed ties.
Eastern Naga Students Federation President Nuheymong Yimkhiung pushed for a deeper look at the symbolism of traditional attire, noting that the diverse colors and patterns represent a shared identity that shouldn't be exploited for division. He warned that internal exploitation has weakened the common bond.
Minister Aye linked the call for unity to pressing local crises. He flagged environmental decay, dwindling village populations, and water shortages as looming threats that the younger generation must tackle. He demanded officials drop tribalism, corruption, and favoritism to clean house before trying to support Nagas elsewhere.
Updated at 22nd September 2026 at 2:00pm
Naga Students' Federation President Mteisuding broadened the call for unity, urging youth to look toward Nagas living beyond international borders. He criticized current Indian government policies, specifically the Free Movement Regime, for obstructing contact with these communities. He stated the federation recently attempted to reach out to groups in Myanmar to mend severed ties.
Eastern Naga Students' Federation President Nuheymong Yimkhiung warned against treating tribal attire as mere spectacle. He argued that the diverse colors and patterns represent a shared identity that some have exploited to drive wedges between tribes, stating that Naga society must end such internal manipulation.
Minister Aye connected the push for solidarity to urgent regional threats, including environmental degradation, shrinking village populations, and water scarcity. He demanded officials excise corruption and tribalism to stabilize the state before attempting to assist communities elsewhere. "Let us clean our house first," he said.
Kohima Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem also attended, calling for Nagas to prioritize offline hospitality over online hostility. He suggested adopting the state anthem as a common theme song to unify the diverse tribes.
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