Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), established in 1929 at Longkhum village with the motto “For the Nation”, was founded not merely as a slogan but as a lifelong commitment to rise above self-interest and work for the collective good of the Ao people in particular and the entire Naga community in general.
Addressing the 70th general conference of AKM at Chungtia village as the chief guest, Rio said that since its inception, AKM has withstood the test of time and emerged as a driving force in shaping the social, educational and political consciousness of the Ao community. He said the organisation’s history was a reminder of the vision of its founding leaders and the responsibility entrusted to successive generations.
Reflecting on the conference theme “Strengthening Horizons”, Rio said it symbolised AKM’s enduring role as a pillar of Ao society and a beacon for Nagas at large. He explained that “horizons” represented bold aspirations, responsible action and collective unity, and called upon all sections of society- across generations, professions and viewpoints- to revive dialogue, mutual respect and teamwork rooted in shared wisdom.
The chief minister, however, expressed concern over growing divisions in Naga society, stating that fragmentation existed both in the underground and overground. Drawing an analogy with family life, he said a divided family could not stand. He urged serious reflection on individualism, clanism and tribalism, cautioning that these tendencies must never overshadow the larger goal of Naga unity.
Stressing development priorities, Rio said unity, peace, integrity and mutual respect should remain the guiding benchmarks for achieving a developed Nagaland. He noted that Nagaland had emerged as India’s third most literate state after Kerala and Mizoram, but described it as alarming that nearly 92 per cent of the literate population lacked technical or vocational skills. He said skill specialisation had become an urgent necessity so that Naga youth could acquire problem-solving abilities, adapt to a competitive world and drive innovation.
According to DIPR, addressing key challenges confronting Naga society, Rio also spoke on the ongoing quest for a permanent solution to the Naga political issue and the need to bridge social divides within the community. He highlighted governance-related concerns including the Inner Line Permit (ILP), protection of Article 371(A), and the state’s untapped mineral resources. Rio urged all Naga tribes to uphold unity, mutual respect and collective teamwork to overcome these challenges.
He further briefed the gathering on initiatives undertaken by the state government, including the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, which brought together stakeholders to deliberate on the Naga political issue.
Emphasising the need to move away from a “blame culture,” Rio called for resolving differences through sincere dialogue and discussion, reminding the youth that the history scripted by their forefathers is not merely a legacy of the past but a call to action for the present and the future.
Rio said the Naga political issue had gained formal recognition through legal frameworks—first under the British administration via the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, and later under the Indian Constitution through Article 371(A). These, he said, acknowledged the distinct identity, culture and traditions of the Nagas.
He urged Ao Kaketshir Mungdang and AKM, as custodians of tradition, to safeguard customs, values and heritage, while ensuring that modernisation did not erode cultural identity.
Calling the conference a potential catalyst for change, Rio said it should inspire resilience, adaptability and commitment to progress among the youth.
Chungtia declared tourist destination: Later, the chief minister officially declared Chungtia village a tourist destination (Chungtia Heritage and Adventure Park), highlighting several cultural, historical and natural landmarks. These included Tüylong, the village’s highest peak and ancestral authority site; Yimpang Süngkum and Sungkum Api, linked by 783 historic stone steps used for rituals and pilgrimages; Yimrongdong, associated with post-war communal harmony rituals; Arijuma Tsutu, a sacred perennial pond used for traditional rain prayers; and Tongden (log drum), a traditional communication instrument symbolising unity. He also highlighted the village’s potential for adventure tourism, including paragliding, rock climbing, scenic viewpoints and cliff-side footpaths.
Earlier, invocation was pronounced by Alempang Baptist Arogo pastor Rev. Ngangen Longkumer; AKM president Lanutoshi Aier delivered the presidential address, while greetings were conveyed by NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and CNSA president Zuchubemo Jungio. Minister for RD & SIRD Metsubo Jamir exhorted the gathering. The conference choir presented a special song “Wala Washi Tepro”, while Note Grid Mokokchung also performed and closing prayer by Aliba Baptist Arogo pastor Rev Nungshi Pongen.
The chief minister was accompanied by Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, advisor Tongpang Ozukum, Achumbemo Kikon, MLA; and several dignitaries.