The Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) celebrated its first foundation day on June 22, 2024, at the Kohima Village VDB hall in Ziekezou, Kohima. The event, themed “Peace through Unity,” brought together leaders and members of the Tenyimi community to reflect on their shared heritage and address challenges facing Naga society.
Razouvotuo Chatsu, President of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and Convenor of TUN’s Advisory Board, highlighted the union’s formation by five tribal bodies: Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma, and Zeliang. He emphasised TUN’s role in resolving domestic affairs and engaging with the government on policy matters. Chatsu pointed out a critical leadership crisis in Naga society, stressing the need for God-fearing leaders who embody honesty, integrity, and genuine concern for others.
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Tenyimi Union Nagaland President Kekhwengulo Lea outlined the organisation’s objectives, which include protecting Tenyimi rights, fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, cooperating with the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO), and promoting peace. Lea clarified that TUN’s formation aimed to strengthen Naga unity and peace, not to oppose any group. He urged forgiveness and reconciliation among Tenyimi to achieve these goals.
Timikha Koza, TPO President, emphasised the importance of preserving and passing on traditional values, particularly respecting elders and women. He encouraged resolving conflicts through dialogue with community leaders rather than using social media, stressing the need to maintain good practices and cultivate unity and harmony.
Helievi-o Solo, Chairman of the Kohima Village Council, underscored TUN’s critical role in uniting the Tenyimi community. He called for regular interactions, seminars, and exchange programmes to promote cultural preservation and intergenerational understanding. Solo emphasised the need to conscientise younger generations about their genealogy, roots, and cultural heritage.
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The event featured cultural performances, including a Tati Pfhe by the Rüsokhrie Krotho group. Religious leaders participated, with Er. Achakbo Newmai offering the invocation and Joseph Thuvuri delivering the closing prayer. Zhonelü Tunyi, President of the Tenyimi Women Union Nagaland, greeted the gathering, while Peteroko Zetsuvi gave the vote of thanks.
During the celebration, TUN adopted several resolutions, including acknowledging the Kohima Village Council for hosting the event and the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council for hosting the first Tenyimi Christian Leaders Meet. The union also congratulated newly elected Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir and appealed for reconciliation among Naga National workers and civil society leaders.
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Other resolutions included urging Tenyimi leaders to uphold traditional values of justice and humility, expressing solidarity with the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) while appealing for maintaining Nagaland’s unity, supporting free and fair Urban Local Body elections with 33% reservation for women, and opposing border fencing between Myanmar and India and palm oil cultivation in border areas.
The foundation day celebration marked a significant step towards realising Tenyimi Union Nagaland’s goals of fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, and addressing challenges facing Naga society. As the organisation moves forward, it aims to strengthen bonds within the Tenyimi community and contribute to broader Naga unity and peace.
