Nagaland: T.R. Zeliang calls for value-based leadership

Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, on Wednesday exhorted Chakhesang student leaders to uphold unity and values, stressing that knowledge and culture must go hand in hand for meaningful development. He was speaking as inaugural guest at the 79th general conference of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) held at Zuketsa Local Ground, Phek district.
Zeliang commended CSU for its constructive role in shaping students, addressing social concerns, and contributing to the development of the Chakhesang community. He reminded that student organisations were not merely platforms of representation but institutions that mould leadership and values. “When knowledge is guided by cultural values, it strengthens identity, builds confidence, and ensures development does not come at the cost of one’s identity,” he said, while encouraging students to pursue excellence in education alongside preservation of language, traditions, and customary practices.
Highlighting Phek district’s potential in agriculture, infrastructure, education, tourism, and human resources, Zeliang assured that improving road connectivity, market access, and integration into the state’s development framework remained key priorities. Citing Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) data, he noted that though the Chakhesang tribe is categorised as backward, its candidates have consistently excelled in competitive examinations such as NPSC and NSSB, leading among backward tribes in government employment.
At the same time, he pointed out that compared to advanced tribes like Ao, Sema, Lotha, and Angami, the Chakhesang community still lags behind. He reminded that reservation policies were meant to help weaker communities come at par with advanced ones, and questioned whether the community had truly reached that level. He also observed that the Rengma tribe deserved consideration as backward under P&AR data, provided they pursued their case separately, and urged other backward tribes’ student bodies to support their demand.
Calling upon students as future leaders, Zeliang urged them to sensitise fellow youth on such policies and foster cooperation with other backward tribes’ student bodies including ENSF, Zeliang, Pochury and others. He reiterated that leadership rooted in knowledge and culture must reflect unity, mutual respect, and collective growth.
Guest of honour, Kudecho Khamo, advisor for CAWD & Taxes, cautioned that identity, culture, and tradition were at risk in a fast-changing world driven by science and technology. He urged students to uphold honesty, hard work, and resilience, while emphasising the Bible as foundation, prayer as strength, and integrity as guiding principle.
NSF president, Mteisuding Heraang, in his greetings, reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to protect the rights and interests of Nagas and called for unity beginning at the grassroots. CPO president, Vezuhu Keyho, stressed that despite varied dialects, the Chakhesang community does not discriminate among itself, and urged students to equip themselves for the future with peace as the driving force for unity and progress.
Earlier, TR Zeliang unveiled a monolith and released the CSU magazine in the presence of Kudecho Khamo and other legislators. The programme featured songs by Wetsote-ü Letro and Ruzazhomi Students’ Union, and competitions including the late Niesatsü Khamo Memorial Trophy (folk song quartet) and late Zekope Krome Memorial Trophy (folk dance).
The conference will continue with Zuketsa Students’ Union (ZSU) 67th General Session on February 5, with Dr. Neisatuo Mero, MLA, as special guest, followed by a CSU seminar on entrepreneurship and competitive exams. The valedictory session will be graced by Zhothisa Dawhuo, secretary, Women Resource Development.