Jwenga Seb, Niketu Iralu and others during 2nd foundation day of TUN at Tesophenyu on June 23. (Morung Photo)
Tenyimi Union Nagaland celebrates 2nd foundation day at Tesophenyu
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 23
The Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) celebrated its 2nd Foundation Day under the theme ‘Legacy of Unity’ at Tesophenyu village under Tseminyu district on June 23.
Addressing the gathering as the speaker, Peace Activist Niketu Iralu said that the theme ‘Legacy of Unity’ is instantly striking and it evokes questions. “Legacy and Unity are powerful words for this gathering reminding the Tenyimi people they have a legacy of great value to guide them and uphold,” he said adding “it is today’s Nagas have a serious responsibility in what tomorrow Naga society will be.”
“And in the present situation of acute insecurity, all of us are certainly concerned about the society our children and grandchildren will inherit from us because our world is so wounded and damaged by terrible wrongs that have remained unhealed and unrestored for so long,” he said.
He said that Nagas discovered they needed one another to strengthen and defend their emerging identity and survive to become a nation of tribes who share a common history, culture and spiritual and religious beliefs.
“This TUN convention represents a renewed understanding and conviction to emphatically reclaim that legacy that had been achieved at great cost by our pioneers,” Iralu said and hoped that TUN will handle the enormous challenges for growth that the years ahead will bring.
“Our problems are increasing in size, numbers and complexity. They are overwhelming us and destroying us. This we see at all levels of our society, “Overground” or “Underground”, as we call them. This is a reality most of us have come to accept as a nightmare that has come out of us and the crisis of our struggle “Og” and “Ug” and therefore beyond our power to put right,” Iralu said.
But an important very positive thing we must understand and build on is that we are now seeing our people asking difficult, worrying, questions about ourselves as individuals, our diversity of tribes, our politics, government performance, or religion, and so on, but with an undeniable readiness to do with what needs to be done, he said.
“This may be regarded by many to be an over optimistic reading of our paralysed society. But I am certain and at peace to see positively the asking of questions this way because I am committed to do what is right and needs to be done. If this decision is lived out because our human soul and conscience are hungry for it, the happiness from it is infectious and irresistible to other human beings,” Iralu said.
‘Be guardians of peace and progress in Nagaland’
Sharing greetings, MLA Ar Jwenga Seb said that TUN which comprises the Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma, Zeliang and Pochury tribes, is a testament to the unity and solidarity that has existed “among us since time immemorial.”
He said that TUN has a sacred responsibility to be the guardians of Naga society, advocating for peace, tranquility, and justice in Nagaland.
“Our history reminds us of the great leaders who have shaped our destiny. Our grandfather, A.Z. Phizo, the father of the Naga Nation, was an Angami, and his beloved wife, our grandmother, was a Rengma lady. The first Naga flag was hoisted on Rengma soil, woven by Rengma grandmothers. Today, we are led by the longest-serving Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio. These are not just historical facts; they are reminders of the immense responsibility God has entrusted to the Tenyimi brothers,” he said.
Quoting the saying goes, “One single big tree does not make a forest,” Seb said it is the collective strength of all trees, bushes, creepers, and every living being that makes a forest resourceful and gigantic.
Similarly, the strength of TUN lies in the unity and collective efforts of all its members, he said. He urged upon the Tenyimi to uphold the values of brotherhood, unity, and justice that the forefathers have passed down to them. “Let us work together to build a future where every Tenyimi brother and sister can thrive and prosper. Let us be the guardians of peace and progress in Nagaland and beyond,” he said.
Rekindle shared values
“Let this foundation day rekindle our shared values, reaffirm our commitment to brotherhood, and remind us that our diversity is not a division. It is a strength,” said Rengma Hoho President Er Tesinlo Semy, which hosted TUN’s 2nd Foundation Day.
“Let us continue to build bridges, nurture trust, and sow the seeds of peace, prosperity, and solidarity across all Naga tribes and throughout the Tenyimi region,” he said and also challenged one and all to move forward together, united in vision, rooted in tradition, and guided by “our shared destiny.”
Ex- minister Nillo Rengma also exhorted the gathering. Zandi Domta, President NZPO, Chompa Jurry, president Pochury Hoho, Vezuhii Keyho, president, Chakhesang Public Organization and Theja Vihienuo, president Angami Public Organization also shared solidarity messages. The programme was chaired by TUN President Kekhwengulo Lea while vote of thanks was proposed by TUN General Secretary Dr Tumda Newme.
