Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and chairman of Sub-Division Planning Development and Board (SDPDB) Bhandari, on Friday spoke on the pressing issues including Naga political issue, “One Nation, One Election” at the Lotha Officers’ Association (LOA) general conference held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha.
According to Achumbemo, the Naga political issue needed to be addressed urgently noting that the issue cannot be left unresolved to the next generation. He also addressed the “One Nation, One Election” concept, cautioning that it could eventually lead to “One Nation, One Religion,” which would not suit India’s diverse society.
Achumbemo also highlighted the importance of preserving the Lotha language and its heritage, encouraging the Lotha Officers’ Association (LOA) to fund a research cell or committee for this purpose.
He expressed optimism that, through collaborative efforts, the Lotha language could be elevated to the university level, which would, in turn, create job opportunities. Additionally, he called for a shift from the traditional focus on government jobs to promoting entrepreneurship and other self-sustaining ventures urging the Nagas to change the mindset of measuring success only through acquiring a government job.
The event was graced by, MLA and chairman of the SDPB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon as special guest, while IAS (Retd.) M. Patton, theme speaker. In his address, theme speaker of the event, retired IAS officer M. Patton, reflected on the past and its valuable lessons for the present.
Highlighting the wisdom of Lotha forefathers, he revealed that the Lothas once lent Rs. 100 to the British with an interest of ₹3, with its original copy still available. Furthermore, during World War II, between late 1939 and early 1940, the Lothas contributed Rs. 15,000 to the British war fund, earning recognition as a generous community in the receipt received.
He praised the achievements of the Lotha elders, who accomplished great things despite limited resources. He urged the younger generation to work harder and strive for progress, emphasizing that success is not measured by population size.
President of the Lotha Officers’ Association, K. Libenthung Lotha , highlighted the LOA’s upcoming 15th anniversary in October 2025, urging members to introspect on the association’s achievements and challenges over the years.
He stressed the need for the Lotha community to evolve with the times, reinforcing the importance of mutual relationships with other communities and fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.
Libenthung also thanked the members for their continuous support, which enabled the LOA to publish its first edition of the constitution and the 1st and 2nd editions of the LOA history. These milestones, he noted, were only made possible through collective effort and commitment.
Lotha Hoho chairman, Mhondamo Ovung, also addressed the gathering, urging the community to remain united and steadfast in their love for the Lotha identity and traditions. He reminded the attendees that despite the geographical dispersal of the Naga tribes, their shared heritage and kinship must always be at the forefront of their collective efforts.
Following the speeches, a new team for the LOA executive for the tenure 2025–2028 was announced with secretary Home, Orenthung Lotha as president, Additional Secretary of Finance, Wonchio Odyuo as vice president, secretary of the Cabinet Cell and Tourism, Nchumbemo Lotha as general secretary, Economic and Statistics Officer Dr. Tumben Humtsoe as join secretary, Dr. Mhalo Ezung, as cultural secretary, Tumbemo Patton, as finance secretary, District Fisheries Officer C. Dory Yanthan, as statistical secretary, and Er. Mhonlumo Kikon as treasurer.
The conference also observed a one-minute silent prayer in honor of the association’s deceased members. The conference chaired by, PGT, Wokha, T. Zanbeni Humtsoe and Associate Professor, MTC Wokha Dr. Khyobenthung Tsopoe began with an invocation by Principal of Witter Theological College, Vankhosung Dr. Nzanthung Ngullie Special songs were performed, by Nchumbemo Erui and the Witter Theological College Choir. A prayer for the newly elected members was offered by pastor of Longsa Baptist Church, L.K. Tsanglao, vote of thanks by E. Albert Ngullie and the programme concluded with a benediction by pastor of A.G. Church, Wokha Rev. Lijamo Kikon.