In a landmark event aimed at strengthening friendship, peace, and unity, the 25th Anniversary (2001-2026) of the Rüna Khrietho - Maong Aksü brotherhood between Tuophema Village and Ungma Village was celebrated on 2nd May 2026, at Ungma Village, Mokokchung. Held under the theme "To Bolster Amity," the historic silver jubilee drew top state leaders and traditional representatives to champion a united Naga future.
Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while veteran leader and former Chief Minister, Dr. S.C. Jamir attended as the Honoured Dignitary. Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer served as the Chief Host for the monumental event.
Upon his arrival at Ungma Village, Dr. Rio was accorded a warm traditional welcome, following which he officially inaugurated the 25th Anniversary Monolith to mark the historic milestone. Addressing the grand gathering, the Chief Minister extended Moatsü greetings to the Ao community. He lauded the rich cultural displays presented during the occasion and 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, Dr. Rio revealed that the bond 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 urged the gathering to introspect, retrospect, and carry forward the legacy established by the two villages, pushing them to expand this friendship to the rest of the Naga family. Dr. Rio expressed his deep satisfaction at seeing the younger generation actively carrying forward this tradition through various exchange programs and social engagements.
Speaking as the Honoured Dignitary, Dr. S.C. Jamir provided valuable insights, calling for urgent peace and unity among the Nagas. Reflecting on his long and storied political career, Jamir lamented that there was no 'ism' among the Nagas in the past, noting that there was only one apex body 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.
Chief Host, Sharingain Longkumer expressed his profound gratitude to both Dr. Jamir and Dr. Rio for their visionary leadership in steering the Nagas through turbulent times. He echoed the call for absolute unity across all Naga tribes.
In a highly symbolic move toward wider integration, Ungma Village donated three plots of land during the program. These were officially handed over to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), and the Tenyimia Union Nagaland (TUN) by the Chief Minister. 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.
The silver jubilee celebration was attended by a high-profile delegation including Minister Kaito Aye, several state Advisors, MLAs, and top state government officials.
(Zuchumo Kithan, IA Mokokchung)
