Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday called on Nagas to preserve their identity, culture and traditions while promoting unity during the 17th Kuo Descendants Meet, organised by the Naga Kuotsu Union (NKU) at Zapami village in Phek district.
Addressing the NKU’s 17th Triennial General Conference as chief guest, Rio said there is “no greater joy than coming together and celebrating as one family.” He described the Naga Kuotsu Union (NKU) as a strong organisation that has spread across different regions, serving as a pillar of strength among the Nagas.
He lauded the pioneers who initiated the union 56 years ago and recalled the close relationship he shared with the founding members of the Kuotsu clan from the time of his father. He commended the Kuotsu descendants for remaining united for over five decades and bringing together members from different states under one umbrella.
Referring to the theme of the meet, “Our Legacy, Our Future,” Rio said legacy is not only about stories of the past, but also about values and practices which may be both good and bad, inherited across generations.
He described the theme as “timeless and urgent” in a rapidly changing world increasingly influenced by westernisation. In this regard, Rio stressed the importance of preserving roots, identity and history.
He remarked that money lost can be earned again, and sickness may weaken a person, but the loss of roots and identity leaves people completely lost.
Calling for unity, he said tribalism and individualism should be set aside in favour of togetherness and “Nagaism.” He stressed that all clans should come together to build a strong foundation for Naga society.
Narrating the history of the Nagas, Rio said despite colonial rule, Naga traditions and customary practices largely remained untouched. He noted that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1871 and Art 371A safeguard Naga land rights, culture and identity. He said the state is also exempted from the Panchayati Raj and villages are locally governed by the village councils.
He said Nagas are recognised by outsiders, and therefore Nagas themselves must also recognise and value their own identity. He expressed hope that the Kuotsu community, spread across various parts of Nagaland, would set an example, adding that Nagaism should grow stronger with the support of many clan pillars in building the nation.
Rio also spoke on the issue of Naga ancestral remains and artefacts housed at the Pitt Rivers Museum in the United Kingdom. According to him, out of lakhs of items preserved in the museum, 41 are Naga human remains, artefacts and antiques.
He said a tribal delegation had already visited the museum to hold discussions on repatriating the remains and artefacts, and informed that tribal hohos are expected to travel to the UK in the coming months to initiate the process formally. Rio said plans are also being considered to build a memorial and bury the remains.
Referring to the 16-Point Agreement and the presence of Nagas across Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Myanmar, Rio stressed the need for emotional, social and cultural integration among Naga communities.
He added that greater integration among Nagas would strengthen the Naga political issue and contribute towards an eventual solution.
Drawing parallels with the unity of the Kuotsu clan, Rio said other Naga clans must also work towards strengthening oneness among the people. He urged Nagas to continue building “Nagaism” and work towards unity among Naga contiguous areas through social, emotional and cultural ties.
Earlier, NKU president Peter Kuotsu informed that the union was formally established in 1970 and today comprises members from 89 villages across Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, including among the Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang communities. He reiterated that the Kuotsu clan had resolved to remain united under one umbrella irrespective of where members reside.
Zapuvisie Lhousa Kuotsu, the first general secretary of the NKU, highlighted the history of the “Kuo” clan during the programme. He said that after India gained Independence, while the Nagas were fighting for their own independence under the Naga National Council (NNC), Indian armed forces launched operations in the Naga areas, forcing many people to scatter across different places.
He said some like-minded elders later came together and discussed the need for unity among the descendants, which eventually led to the first meeting of the clan on April 2, 1970, at Mezoma village.
Narrating the clan’s lineage, he said their forefather, Kuo-u, migrated from Mekhrora to Kezhakhenoma and then to Kigwema before finally settling at Kuozhügei, present-day LFHSS, in Khonoma, where he spent his final days.
He described Kuo as a great warrior who contributed significantly to the welfare of the people. He also said Kuo was a religious man who hosted feasts for the community.
Encouraging the younger generation, Zapuvisie urged them to live in the fear of God and work for the welfare of the Naga people with sincerity and goodwill.
During the programme, 12 individuals including Chireuding Hieme Kuotsu, Ruopfüzhano Whiso Kuotsu, Visalie Kuotsu, Dr Rüüzeno Kuotsu, Neibodzelie Solo Kuotsu, Peheutingyibe Herie Kuotsu, Eva Tetoe Khutsoh Kuotsu, Neithozono K Kuotsu, Rukutho Kotso Kuotsu, Salevizo Kuotsu, Viphreno Kuotsu, and Aseno Kielienyü Kuotsu, were recognised for their outstanding achievements.
The event featured an invocation by Rev Dr Neingupe Chiero Kuotsu, senior pastor of Pfutsero Town Baptist Church; welcome address by organising committee convenor Kedoutsolhi Wetsah Kuotsu; cultural performances by Punglwa Cultural Troupe and Kuzha Culture Society, Zapami.
Nomination committee convenor Ravolhuto Whiso Kuotsu informed that the present office bearers led by Peter Kuotsu of Zhadima village as president have been reinstated for the 2026–2029 tenure.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Welonyi Khutsoh Kuotsu pronounced the elderly blessing, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Neivikuolie Khatsü Kuotsu, vice president of NKU.
The event was hosted by Aphoukhrori Kuotsu, Zapami, which has the highest population of Kuo descendants in the Chakhesang region, and coincided with its silver jubilee celebrations. The chief minister also released the jubilee souvenir during the meet.
The programme was chaired by Riku Khutso Kuotsu and Ketousenuo Kuotsu, and concluded with a community feast.
Also Read | Akashvani Kohima to host marathon to mark 90 yrs of radio broadcasting