Metsubo Jamir acknowledges role of 3 tribes in state’s progress

Rural Development minister Metsubo Jamir has acknowledged the historical and contributions of Ao, Lotha, and Sümi tribes in the progress of Nagaland, noting that the three tribes had been spearheading development and wellbeing of the state.
Attending the second day of the 5th general conference of Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) as the chief guest, Jamir commended the student body for hosting the conference, while expressing his pride in being a member of the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC).
Underscoring the contributions of the three tribes in the progress of Nagaland, he noted that though there were 16 to 17 tribes in the state, it was the three tribes under the CNTC that had consistently spearheaded development, education, and spiritual outreach across Nagaland.
“Irrespective of who we are, we are the people that have gone to all nook and corners of the state on behalf of the Nagas to preach the gospel,” he elaborated.
He claimed that even now, teachers from these communities travelled to the most remote corners of the state to spread education. “Wherever you go, you will find teachers from our tribes making efforts to teach, uplift, and empower communities. It is because of their efforts that many have learned to read, write, and go to church,” he remarked, adding that the three tribes had been and still were the pioneers.
On Nagaland being ranked as the fourth most literate state in the country, Jamir cautioned against the growing sense of entitlement towards education and government benefits. While literacy was a means to help uplift the people, he lamented that many had taken this as an entitlement, and not a tool for empowerment.
Referring to unemployment, he encouraged the youth to become job creators instead of being job seekers to help tackle the problem.
He pointed out that Nagaland had already the highest percentage of government employment in the country, and had reached a saturation point.
He urged the CNSA to adopt a spirit of unity among the three tribes and continue working for the welfare of Naga people.
Delivering the presidential address, CNSA president R Sunep Pongen expressed gratitude to the three constituent student bodies —Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK), Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), and Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) — for their unwavering support in shaping the association over the years.
Dwelling on theme “Power of Possibilities”, he maintained that the theme resonated deeply with the culture, collectively as a journey as an organisation. He dwelled on how the CNSA produced eight successful candidates in the UPSC exams in the past three years, terming it as a testament to what could be achieved when individuals believed in their potential.
On lack of unity among Naga tribes, he remarked that though the practice of headhunting has been abandoned, its spirit still lingered in the form of tribalism, ego, and division.
“Headhunting reflected a time when village fought village, tribe fought tribe. Today, we are still fragmented, politically, socially, and ideologically,” he lamented.
Expressing dismay at the emergence of new political groups and noting that every day some new political groups and factions popped up, he remarked that if people still hoped that there would be unity, then they were being delusional.
He called upon the gathering to abandon the pride of one’s village or tribe and work towards unity.
Pongen hailed the conference as a convergence of ideas, cultures, and visions, offering a platform to share experiences, challenges, and foster collaboration that transcended boundaries.
“Let us be inspired by this theme and walk toward a united Nagaland. Let this not be just another conference, but a launching pad for a better, unified future,” he exhorted.
Delivering a short speech, CNTC joint secretary Zuchamo Mozhui urged the student leaders to stay well-informed and updated about government schemes and policies in order to guide the society effectively.
Referring to the ongoing agitation against reservation policy led by 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy, he expressed gratefulness for the support received during the first phase of the protest.
He said the committee received an assurance during a meeting with senior state government officials on June 3 that the issue would be placed before the cabinet soon.
Stressing that it was now time to give importance to the issue, he remarked that 48 years of silence of the five tribes had been misunderstood, adding that reservation had been taken as a tool and not as a privilege.
He clarified that their opposition to the reservation policy would benefit all indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, hoping that the backward tribes would understand the broader implications of the movement.
In her speech, Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA) president Atoli Sema said the conference’s theme was both relevant and inspirational, and dwelled on the importance of hard work.
She shared a personal anecdote, comparing her two children — one academically brilliant but lazy, and the other less gifted but hardworking — to illustrate that success came not from intelligence alone, but from consistent efforts.
“Hard work is the power of possibilities,” she stated, urging students to stay determined.
She hoped that the conference would inspire students to reflect deeply on their potential and take active steps toward growth and unity.
The programme was chaired by LSU president Lirhonthung E Kitha, invocation offered by children pastor, TGBA, Kuputoli A Yeptho, special number presented by Toshiwati, and benediction offered by associate pastor, DABA, Imnatoshi Longkumer.