Mokokchung, 2nd May (Nokinketer News): The 25th anniversary of the Rüna Khrietho – Maong Aksü brotherhood between Tuophema Village and Ungma Village was celebrated here on 2nd May 2026, with top state leaders making a strong pitch for Naga unity, peace, and cultural preservation.

Held under the theme “To Bolster Amity” at Ungma Village in Mokokchung, the landmark event marked a quarter-century of the unique bond established in 2001.

Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while veteran leader and former Chief Minister, Governor and Padma Bhushan Awardee Dr. S.C. Jamir attended as the Honoured Dignitary. Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer, served as the Chief Host.

Upon his arrival, Dr. Rio was accorded a warm traditional welcome, after which he officially inaugurated the 25th Anniversary Monolith to commemorate the historic milestone.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended Moatsü greetings to the Ao community and lauded the rich cultural displays presented during the event. He made a strong call for the active preservation of Naga culture, identity, customary laws, and rich heritage.

Sharing the background of the Rüna Khrietho – Maong Aksü bond, Dr. Rio revealed that it was the brainchild of himself and Dr. S.C. Jamir. “The core vision was to build a bridge of friendship with all Aos through Ungma, and with all Angamis and Tenyimias through Tuophema, ultimately radiating that peace to all Nagas,” he said.

The Chief Minister urged the gathering to introspect, retrospect, and carry forward the legacy established by the two villages. He expressed deep satisfaction at seeing the younger generation actively carrying forward this tradition through various exchange programs and social engagements.

Jamir’s Call for Urgent Change

Speaking as the Honoured Dignitary, Dr. S.C. Jamir provided valuable insights and called for urgent peace and unity among the Nagas. Reflecting on his long political career, he lamented that there was no “ism” among the Nagas in the past, noting that only one apex body existed under which all tribal Hohos worked in perfect harmony.

Expressing deep concern over the current state of Naga society, Jamir warned that tribalism has gone to extremes, factions have multiplied both underground and overground, and materialism is crushing morality. He passionately called for a drastic change in outlook and attitude, urging a renewed vision to build a stronger, more peaceful, and prosperous Nagaland.

Land Donation and ‘Ungma Declaration’

In a highly symbolic move toward wider integration, Ungma Village donated three plots of land during the program. These were officially handed over by the Chief Minister to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), and the Tenyimia Union Nagaland (TUN).

To cement their commitment for the future, the two villages formally adopted the “Ungma Declaration,” pledging to continuously strengthen and carry forward their unique bond of friendship.

Chief Host Sharingain Longkumer expressed profound gratitude to both Dr. Jamir and Dr. Rio for their visionary leadership in steering the Nagas through turbulent times, and echoed the call for absolute unity across all Naga tribes.

The silver jubilee celebration was attended by a high-profile delegation including Minister Kaito Aye, several state Advisors, MLAs, and top government officials.

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