Organisations, leaders mourn NNC president Adinno

Kohima, October 9 (MExN): Several Naga organisations and leaders have mourned the death of Naga National Council (NNC) president Adinno Phizo, recalling her lifelong commitment to the Naga national movement and the political aspirations of the Naga people.

Adinno died on October 8 at the age of 94 at Bethel Hospital in Kohima after a brief illness, according to a condolence message issued by NNC Joint Secretary W Shapwon.

The GPRN/NSCN (Unification) described her demise as a profound loss to the Naga people, saying she had followed the political legacy of her father, A Z Phizo, and remained committed to the NNC's original ideology and the cause of Naga sovereignty.

It said her nearly five decades in London and subsequent return to Nagaland reflected her perseverance in upholding the Naga national movement and its historical political aspirations.

In a separate message, Shapwon said Adinno was entrusted with the responsibility of acting president of the NNC following her father's death in 1990. She was elected full-fledged president at an NNC general meeting held at Kohima Village Hall on May 12, 1990, he added.

The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) described her as a respected and courageous leader whose dedication, integrity and conviction had left an enduring mark on the Naga national movement. It extended condolences to her family and others mourning her death.

The NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe), in a statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity, said Adinno had devoted her life to the Naga cause and described her death as an irreparable loss.

Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K G Kenye said Adinno had carried a significant historical responsibility as the custodian of the NNC’s political principles, including the August 14, 1947, declaration of independence and the May 16, 1951, Naga Plebiscite.

Former minister Neiba Kronu described Adinno as a committed activist of the Naga cause who remained resolute in her convictions and dedicated her life to the political aspirations and identity of the Naga people.

The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union said Adinno assumed leadership of the NNC as acting president following her father’s death in London on April 30, 1990, and was formally elected president at a general meeting in Kohima on May 12 that year. It said her mandate was reaffirmed at the Longmisa general meeting in March 1991, where the Federal Government of Nagaland conferred political plenipotentiary powers on her.

The Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland described her as a principled leader who worked for reconciliation, peace and justice, while the Kuki Inpi Nagaland acknowledged her steadfastness and sacrifice despite differences in political views.

The Kuki Inpi Nagaland and the Kuki Tribal Union, NNC/FGN, in separate condolenes, said Adinno had upheld the Naga political movement’s vision of self-determination throughout her life and described her as a mother figure to the Naga people.

The Mao Council said it was deeply shocked by her demise, describing her as a patriotic leader whose contributions to the Naga cause would be cherished and valued. It expressed solidarity with her bereaved family and prayed for her eternal rest.

The Naga Council Dimapur said Adinno had carried her responsibilities with dignity and integrity and remained committed to the Naga political movement and the aspirations of her people.

The council said Adinno remained steadfast in her commitment to the Naga national movement and was an influential figure among Naga women across the political spectrum. It added that the void left by her death would be difficult to fill.

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) described her death as the end of an important chapter in Naga political history, saying her life and leadership were closely connected with the Naga people’s efforts to preserve their identity, history and distinct heritage.

The Nagaland Gorkha Association also mourned her death, describing her as a committed leader who upheld the political aspirations of the Naga people. It extended condolences to her family, relatives and NNC members. 

MLA and Advisor for Taxes P Longon described Adinno as a figure of resilience, dignity and lifelong commitment. He said her dedication to the Naga people and unwavering principles would remain a significant part of their collective history.

The NSCN (IM) said that for more than three decades following her father's death in London in 1990, she had carried forward his legacy with dignity and steadfastness, preserving the NNC's historical role in the Naga political movement.

The NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) described Adinno as a pillar of conviction, resilience and dedication who upheld the dignity and identity of the Naga people. It said her death marked the end of a historic era and left an irreplaceable void in Nagaland's socio-political life.

The NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) also paid tribute to Adinno, saying she had assumed the responsibility of leading the NNC following her father's death and served the Naga people through decades of challenges. 

The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) said Adinno had remained steadfast in upholding the NNC's political position and the aspirations of the Naga people after assuming leadership in 1990. It described her death as the end of a significant chapter in Naga political leadership.

The Sümi Hoho also expressed sorrow, noting her longstanding association with the Naga political movement.

Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang described Adinno as a woman of deep conviction, courage and unwavering commitment to the Naga national cause. He said her dedication, perseverance and selfless service would continue to inspire generations.

The organisations and leaders extended condolences to her bereaved family and others mourning her death, and prayed for peace for the departed soul.