Tenyimi Union Dimapur celebrates golden jubilee
State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday underscored the importance of collective aspirations and urged all the Naga bodies including Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), Central Nagaland Tribes Council, and Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), as well as Naga communities in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and beyond, to pursue common goals through dialogue, understanding, and solidarity.
Dr. Rio said this while speaking at the Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) golden jubilee celebration programme held at the Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium (DDSCS) here on Wednesday. The celebration was graced by chief minister Dr. Rio as chief host and deputy chief minister TR Zeliang as co-host.
Congratulating TUD on completing 50 years, Dr. Rio described TUD’s 50-year legacy as “a steadfast pillar of unity and understanding” among the Tenyimi community.
Acknowledging the union’s role in upholding values of brotherhood, respect, and cooperation, the chief minister asserted that unity remains the greatest strength of the Naga people.
He said that individualism, clanism, and tribalism must never undermine shared ideals, adding that Nagaism must be the guiding principle of unity, integrity, and mutual respect.
Shedding light on the status of four non-Naga tribes—Kukis, Kacharis, Garos, and Mikirs (Karbis), the chief minister acknowledged that they were recognised as Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland under the Constitution (Nagaland) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1970. However, he said issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates to them was not appropriate. Dr. Rio said these communities may be permanent residents, but only those settled in Nagaland prior to December 1, 1963, along with their direct descendants, were eligible for Scheduled Tribe Certificates within the State.
In order to ensure fairness, the chief minister said the state government initiated an enumeration exercise on September 20, 2024 to identify eligible individuals, based on recommendations of the RIIN Commission. However, due to a writ petition filed by tribal organizations of these communities and a subsequent stay order by the Gauhati High Court, the process was now sub judice.
Pending legal resolution, he said recruitment for police constable posts would proceed only for Indigenous Naga tribes, with positions reserved for the four communities to be addressed once the matter was settled.
On strengthening the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, the chief minister informed that the State launched the Online ILP Portal on January 1, 2025, providing a unified digital platform for applications, processing, and monitoring.
He said that updated guidelines have been issued, authorizing village councils to maintain registers of ILP holders and directing all departments and law-enforcement agencies to enhance checks on illegal immigrants while ensuring that lawful citizens were treated fairly. Dr. Rio emphasized that effective ILP enforcement required collective vigilance and cooperation from civil society organizations, community leaders, and every citizen, alongside government mechanisms.
In his speech, deputy chief minister, TR Zeliang, highlighted the shared history and enduring brotherhood of the Tenyimi people. He noted that the unity among Tenyimi communities had stood the test of time and remained a defining strength of the region.
Zeliang asserted that Tenyimi family historically comprised several tribes with close ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties, built on cooperation, mutual respect and shared ancestry.
Despite growth and diversification across regions, he said the Tenyimi people have continued to uphold the spirit of unity for generations.
Calling for renewed solidarity, Zeliang stressed that unity must go beyond symbolism. He also underlined the importance of preserving identity, strengthening collective voice and advancing shared development. The deputy chief minister urged all members of the Tenyimi community to uphold the legacy of brotherhood inherited from their ancestors and move forward with purpose and understanding.
Reflecting on the formation of the TUD in 1975, Zeliang described it as a significant milestone in unifying Tenyimi tribes, particularly within the diverse social environment of Dimapur.
Also, speaking at the programme, Ura Academy president and former chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Tenyidie. He recalled its early foundation in 1939 under the Angami Literature Committee led by Rev. J.E. Tanquist and prominent local leaders. Despite the setbacks caused by World War II and subsequent political disturbances in Nagaland, Dr. Liezietsu said efforts to revive and develop the language continued, leading to the reconstitution of the Tenyidie Literature Committee in 1970 and its renaming as Ura Academy in 1971.
Over the past five decades, he said Tenyidie has steadily advanced, becoming one of the most developed languages in Nagaland.
Dr. Liezietsu also outlined key milestones, including its introduction at the college level in 1988 and later at the postgraduate level under Nagaland University, where it was now taught up to the PhD level.
He noted that Ura Academy applied for inclusion of Tenyidie in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India in 2002. The language was shortlisted among 38 by the National Language Committee, marking a significant recognition.
While progress remains pending at the national level, he said efforts to secure this constitutional status would continue.
Earlier, the jubilee trumpet was sounded by Th. Rainü Venya and invocation by the Christian Forum Nagaland president, Rev. Dr. N. Paphino. The jubilee choir was presented by DRBC Khermahal.
The welcome address was delivered by TUD vice president, M. John Kape, while the presidential address was delivered by TUD president, Thepfuneituo Rio.
Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) president, Timikha Koza, also shared greeting message.
A folk song was presented by the Chakhesang unit and a folk dance by the Zeliang unit.
A short speech was given by Manipur MLA, Losü Dikho. A male voice presentation was performed by Vizho Thakro and friends. Words of gratitude was delivered by TUD general secretary, Anilo Rengma, and the benediction was offered by Loli Kape of MBC Kuda, Dimapur.