Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCT 10 (NPN): Late Adinno Z. Phizo, president of the Naga National Council (NNC) since 1990 and eldest daughter of legendary Naga leader A.Z. Phizo, was laid to rest at her native village Khonoma on Saturday. She passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 93, after more than three decades at the helm of the NNC.
Leaders and representatives of various Naga organisations paid tribute to her contributions to the Naga political movement, with several calling for unity and the preservation of the political legacy she upheld throughout her life.
Delivering the funeral sermon at the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) Mission Compound, Kohima, ABCC executive secretary Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo said Adinno’s life embodied resilience, courage, wisdom, love for the Naga nation and faith in God.
He said her contribution to Naga history was indispensable and her passing came at a time when the Naga people faced an uncertain and fragile path. Reminding the gathering that God remained sovereign over the past, present and future, he called upon the people to draw strength from the spiritual foundation that had guided her life and service.
Drawing from biblical passages, including 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and 1 Corinthians 15, he said the Christian hope of resurrection offered comfort to the bereaved. He concluded by quoting Isaiah 41:10, reminding the gathering that the Lord would strengthen and uphold those who trusted in Him.
Tributes: Takuyaba Longkumer of the Ao Region NNC said Adinno had devoted her life to the Naga cause, carrying forward the political legacy of her father and his contemporaries. Recalling her association with A.Z. Phizo, he said she had served as an office assistant to her father in London during 1964-65 and remained committed to the political aspirations of the Naga people throughout her life.
Longkumer said the 1951 voluntary plebiscite remained central to the history of the Naga national movement and discussions on sovereignty. Recalling the events of May 16, 1951, in Kohima, he said participants had placed their thumb impressions on the plebiscite document, reportedly using their own blood, and maintained that it remained an important historical reference for those upholding the movement’s political position.
He said the Phizo family had helped sustain the movement’s principles for approximately 76 years, with A.Z. Phizo and Adinno playing significant roles through changing circumstances.
Recalling the formation of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) in 1956, Longkumer said an understanding between the NNC and representatives of the Eastern Nagas had led to the formation of the federal government. Observing that the movement was now marked by multiple factions, he urged the people to pray for departed leaders and expressed hope that another member of the Phizo family would emerge to carry forward the legacy.
Angami Public Organisation (APO) president Thejao Vihienuo described Adinno as a remarkable political leader whose life demonstrated perseverance and unwavering commitment to her principles.
He said that when political leadership in Naga society was largely dominated by men, she had demonstrated that leadership depended not on gender but on conviction and the courage to act openly. Acknowledging that her policies had drawn both admiration and disagreement, he said she had never shied away from difficult decisions.
Thejao observed that her uncompromising approach had earned her both devoted supporters and determined critics, but few could deny her impact on Naga politics, irrespective of their political views. He said her life should remind future generations that leadership demanded courage and conviction carried responsibility.
He also read out a condolence message entrusted to him by the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur.
Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) president Vezühü Keyho said the gathering was more than a funeral ceremony, describing it as an important moment in the social and political history of the Naga people.
He urged the gathering to reflect on their shared identity and aspirations, and said the Nagas should see themselves not merely as a collection of warring tribes but as a people united by a common national aspiration.
Describing Adinno as a true daughter of the Naga nation, Keyho said she had led the NNC for more than three decades and remained an inspiration during a period of political turmoil and divisions. He commended the Angami people, particularly Khonoma village, for producing a leader who remained committed to her convictions during a challenging period.
Keyho said she had upheld the ideology and vision of the NNC and the principles of the national government, expressing hope that future leaders would emulate her commitment. He also conveyed condolences on behalf of the CPO to her siblings and family members.
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mteisuding expressed profound grief over Adinno’s demise following a brief illness, describing her death as the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Naga national movement.
He said she had carried forward a major historical and political legacy for more than three decades after assuming the NNC presidency following her father’s death in 1990. Her leadership, he said, represented a continuation of A.Z. Phizo’s legacy through changing times and generations.
NSF said her life and leadership served as reminders to Naga youth of the importance of historical consciousness, political conviction and responsibility towards the aspirations of their people. It extended condolences to the bereaved family, the NNC and all those mourning her death.
FGN Kedahge Kezha Angami described Adinno’s demise as a great loss to the Naga nation, saying she had served as NNC president for 36 years and lived through some of the most difficult and tumultuous periods in Naga history without wavering in her commitment.
Describing her as a protective mother figure and a devoted daughter of the Naga people, Kezha said her life had been marked by dignity, determination, honesty and patience. He expressed hope that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the NNC, vice president Pashen described Adinno as a custodian of the organisation’s political legacy who remained committed to the principles laid down by her father.
He called upon the people to uphold the national position she had defended and work towards unity. Pashen also announced that the NNC would observe seven days of mourning in her honour, during which the national flag would be flown at half-mast.
Ato Zhimomi, Midan Peyu of the Sumi Region, FGN, also expressed sorrow over her passing, describing her as a steadfast leader who had upheld the rights, dignity and political aspirations of the Naga people.
He recalled her commitment to the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, and the voluntary plebiscite of May 16, 1951, saying she had remained firm in her convictions throughout her life. He described her as a custodian of Naga national history and political conviction, adding that her demise had left a profound void at a time when unity remained a major challenge.
Quoting former FGN Kedahge Scato Swu’s book, Zhimomi recalled the words, “Naga Sovereignty is not an empty slogan; it is as true as the sun rises in the east.” He said the statement reflected the conviction and sacrifice associated with the Naga national movement and the dedication upheld by Adinno. On behalf of the Sumi Region FGN, he extended condolences to the bereaved family, the NNC and all those mourning her death.
Adinno’s youngest brother, Jasazzo Phizo, thanked those who had supported the family during her hospitalisation, attended the two-night vigil and travelled from distant places to share their grief. He acknowledged the relatives and in-laws who had cared for her in recent years, as well as the medical fraternity that had attended to her over the preceding four to five years.
He also appealed to anyone who might have been hurt by his sister to forgive her.
Recalling their close relationship, Jasazzo said Adinno had been like a mother to him and cared for him during their family’s imprisonment in Nagaon before they were sent to Shillong. He said she looked after him until 1962, when she left for London, separating them for approximately 50 years.
They were reunited following the death of their brother, Kevilevor Phizo, when Adinno accompanied his body to Nagaland and subsequently remained there.
Jasazzo recalled asking his sister to relinquish the NNC presidency because of her advancing age. According to him, she replied that she held the position not because she wanted to, but because she felt she had to, fearing that the younger generation might give away the rights of the Nagas.
The funeral ceremony at the ABCC Mission Compound, Kohima, was led by Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü. The Bible reading was conducted by Rev. A.S. Vaoshok of Tangkhul Baptist Church, Kohima, while Rev. Noksa Chiu, finance secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, offered the prayer.
The national anthem was sung by Union Baptist Church, Kohima. The Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute, Chetheba, presented a folk song, while Rengma Baptist Church, Kohima, presented a message in song. Naga National Funeral Committee member Toshinaro Longkumer proposed the vote of thanks.
Following the service, Adinno’s mortal remains were taken to Khonoma, where she was laid to rest beside her younger brother, Kevilevor Phizo.
A reception programme organised by Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland was held at Dzüsie and led by the organisation’s secretary, Dr. Vitsosie Vüprü. Rev. Tsolie Chase, senior pastor of Baptist Church Khonoma, offered the prayer, while Jasazzo Phizo conveyed thanks on behalf of the family. The committal was performed by Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo.