The Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) marked its Golden Jubilee Celebration with grandeur and unity at the DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, preceded by the dedication and unveiling of the Golden Jubilee monolith at Tenyimi Complex by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, and release of Jubilee balloons and jubilee Souvenir by the Deputy Chief Minister, T. R. Zeliang on 6th November, 2025.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, extended his warm greetings and congratulated the Union’s leaders and members for successfully completing 50 years of unity and brotherhood. He appreciated the Union for upholding the bonds of fraternity among the Tenyimi community and for preserving their shared heritage, language, and cultural values over the decades. He acknowledged the visionary leaders who founded the Union and whose sacrifices and guidance have helped strengthen the Tenyimi identity in Dimapur.
He emphasized that the Tenyimi family, bound by history, tradition, and shared heritage, occupies a central place in the social and political fabric of Nagaland. Our unity must always remain our greatest strength — for through unity, we can ensure progress, stability, and dignity for our people. Unity has always been — and must continue to be — our greatest strength. Our collective hopes and dreams as Nagas must be guided by this spirit of togetherness. Let us remember that individualism, clannism, and tribalism should never stand in the way of our shared aspirations. Nagaism — the spirit of unity, integrity, and mutual respect — must remain our benchmark. Unity is the answer to all our challenges, he said.
Rio pointed out that the Naga issue itself has been historically recognised and through the inclusion of Article 371(A) in the Indian Constitution acknowledgement affirms our distinct identity, culture, and traditions. Therefore, whether within the Indian Union or beyond, we must continue to recognise and uphold who we are as a people — proud of our roots, steadfast in our values, and united in our purpose.
Rio, stressed on, related issues pertaining to the four Non-Naga Tribes — namely the Kukis, Kacharis, Garos and Mikirs (Karbis). The Constitution (Nagaland) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1970 specifies that, besides the Nagas, these four tribes who are residents of Nagaland shall also be considered as Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland. However, issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates to them is not correct. They may be permanent residents or citizens of Nagaland, but they cannot be regarded as indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. Accordingly, members of these tribes and their direct descendants are entitled to receive Scheduled Tribe Certificates but only for those who were settled within the boundaries of Nagaland before the creation of the State on 1st December 1963.
Further highlighted on another important matter - the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, Rio stated that, to further strengthen and streamline the ILP regime, the State Government has launched the Online ILP Portal on 1st January 2025, offering a unified digital platform for the application, processing, tracking, and approval of ILP across various visitor categories. Under these guidelines, Village Councils have been authorized to maintain separate registers of ILP holders residing within their respective villages. Strict instructions and modalities have also been issued to all Government departments and law enforcement agencies to ensure enhanced awareness, coordination, and effective checking of illegal immigrants — while ensuring that genuine Indian citizens are not harassed in the process. The ILP is not merely a regulatory tool — it is a shared responsibility to safeguard our unique heritage and protect the future of our Indigenous people, Rio added.
He appealed to all sections of the Naga society - to move forward with determination, conviction, and compassion, toward reconciliation, unity, and oneness. Through this Golden Jubilee celebration, we send out a strong message of Naga solidarity - a clarion call for the Naga family to unite and march forward as one. Let this Golden Jubilee be not just a celebration of the past, but a renewal of our commitment to unity, progress, and understanding. Let this milestone be not only a celebration of the past but also a moment of renewal - to inspire the next generation to take up the mantle of leadership with integrity and vision. The challenges of our times demand collective wisdom, rooted in our traditions yet open to the possibilities of the future, Rio said
Speaking on the occasion, T.R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, expressed that Jubilee was not only a celebration of achievements but also a time to reflect on the shared history and brotherhood that have endured through the years. He noted that the Tenyimi family, comprising several tribes with close ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties, has long been bound by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared ancestry. Unity must go beyond symbolism, resting on the preservation of identity, strengthening of collective voice, and pursuit of common development goals, stated Zeliang.
Zeliang highlighted the formation of the Tenyimi Union, Dimapur, in 1975 as a milestone in fostering solidarity and appreciated its contributions to the social fabric of Nagaland. He urged members to renew their commitment to unity and service, and to pass on the legacy of peace and understanding to the younger generation. Concluding his speech, he said the Jubilee should stand as a symbol of shared past, collective purpose, and a vision for the future, keeping the spirit of Tenyimi brotherhood alive.
Speaking on the significance of Tenyidie, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, President Ura Academy and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, said that Tenyidie is the common language of the Tenyimia group, and plays a vital role in preserving Naga identity and unity. He recalled that the first Literature Committee was formed in 1939 by Rev. J.E. Tanquist, an American Missionary, to create a uniform writing system for Naga Students, with early pioneers like Lhouleinyü Suokhrie, Rüzükhrie Sekhose, Krusiehu Belho, and George W. Supplee laying the foundation of Tenyidie.
He highlighted that Tenyidie was introduced at the college level in 1988 and at the postgraduate level in 1977 under Nagaland University, producing over 300 M.A. graduates and several Ph.D. scholars, and added that Ura Academy has also sought the inclusion of Tenyidie in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, he stressed the importance of promoting Tenyidie as a medium of education alongside other Tenyimia languages. In conclusion, he reminded the gathering that “We are Tenyimia by blood and not by choice,” emphasizing that Tenyidie is the language that binds and defines the Tenyimia family.
Losil Dikho, MLA of 48 Mao Assembly Constituency, Manipur, expressed pride in representing the six Tenyimi MLAs from Manipur and conveyed their respect and solidarity to the Tenyimi community in Dimapur. He urged the community to preserve their culture, unity, and traditional values, especially among the younger generation. He also encouraged the promotion of the Tenyidie language and announced plans to initiate youth programmes and competitions in Manipur to help popularize the language and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Tenyimi unity and brotherhood.
The main celebration at DDSC Stadium commenced with the blowing of the Jubilee Trumpet by Thirainü Venya; Invocation by Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, President of Christian Forum Nagaland; welcome address by John Kape, Vice President, TUD; Presidential Address from Thepfuneituo Rio, President, TUD; Greetings by President, TPO, Timikha Koza; words of gratitude by GS, TUD, Anilo Rengma. Various presentations were made by Chakheshang Unit, Zeliang Unit, Tenyimi Women Union Dimapur and Male voice.
Newly elected office bearers of TUD for the tenure 2024–2027 were also announced, with Thepfuneituo Rio as President, John Kape, Lhikedu Chiero, and Kenilo Rengma as Vice Presidents, and Anilo Rengma as General Secretary, among others.
(I. Tiakumla Ao & Tovikali, IA, Dimapur)
