Kohima, October 10 (MExN): Naga organisations and leaders have expressed grief over the death of Naga National Council (NNC) president Adinno Phizo, who passed away at Bethel Hospital in Kohima on October 8, 2026, at the age of 94, recalling her decades of service to the Naga political movement and extending condolences to her bereaved family.
Dr Vikuosa Nienu, based in the United States, described Phizo as a tireless architect of the Naga liberation movement who inherited her father A Z Phizo’s mantle and continued to guide the movement.
Recalling his personal association with her, Nienu said her political legacy had its roots in her service to vulnerable and destitute people. Before assuming leadership of the movement, she had served as a volunteer and taught a few students in his village when there was no formal school.
He said her commitment to service began when she was still a teenager and had accompanied her father into exile to escape what he described as an attempt on his life by the Indian Army.
Nienu said that even in exile and under the shadow of danger, Phizo’s leadership journey had begun. With the Naga struggle continuing and its ultimate goals remaining unfulfilled, he called for her legacy to be carried forward, describing her as both a freedom fighter whose mission remained unfinished and a mentor who had laid the foundation for future generations.
ENSA: The Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) mourned the death of Phizo, describing her as a leader who remained committed to the Naga cause and the welfare and betterment of the Naga people.
Reflecting on Adinno Phizo’s life, ENSA said her dedication, courage and commitment should inspire every Naga, particularly the younger generation. It stressed the importance of truth, wisdom, humility, integrity and devotion to the people and the nation.
ENSA called for her legacy to be preserved and carried forward until the common aspiration for a sovereign Naga nation and a united Naga people, free from what it described as imposed artificial boundaries, was realised.
Describing her death as an immense loss to her community and the wider Naga family, the association extended condolences to her bereaved family, relatives, friends and the Naga community, and prayed for God's comfort and strength for them.
FGN: The Rali Wali Ministry of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) also conveyed condolences to the family, relatives and loved ones of late Eli Adinno Phizo.
In its statement, the ministry described the 94-year-old leader as the daughter of A Z Phizo and said she was the second-longest-serving NNC president, having held the position from 1990 to 2026.
Describing her death as a heavy loss for the Naga nation and its people, the ministry said the vacuum created by her demise would be difficult to fill and cautioned that it could benefit those opposed to the Naga cause if the people failed to act wisely.
NNC/FGN: The NNC/FGN under the leadership of Brigadier (Retd) S Singnya expressed profound sadness over Phizo’s death, describing her as a tall leader, a devoted nationalist and a mother figure whose life was defined by service, discipline and commitment.
The organisation described her as one of the earliest women nationalists who remained committed to Naga self-determination despite numerous impediments.
The NNC/FGN said her legacy should be carried forward collectively by patriotic comrades, irrespective of geographical or political differences, until the common goal was achieved.
NGMA: The Nagaland Garo Mothers' Association (NGMA) stated that the passing of the beloved leader is a great loss to the Naga people. Highlighting her contributions, leadership, and dedication to the Naga cause, the NGMA noted that her legacy will always be remembered with respect and continue to inspire future generations.
NNC: The Office of the President, Zeliangrong Regional Council, NNC, Nagaland, in a condolence statement issued on behalf of NNC/FGN workers of the Zeliangrong Region and the community, the council described her death as a great loss to both the community and the Naga nation.
It said Phizo had devoted her entire life to the nation and that the vacuum created by her demise would be difficult to fill. Her sacrifices and services to the Naga nation would, however, remain cherished in the hearts of the people, it added.
