Adinno Phizo (Morung File Photo)
An enduring face of Naga political movement, Adinno carried forward AZ Phizo’s legacy
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | October 8
President of the NNC, Adinno Phizo, passed away at a private hospital after a brief illness in Kohima on October 8. She was 94.
An ‘Official Notification’ from the Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN) announced that its national leader passed away at 8 PM after a brief illness. She was reportedly undergoing treatment at Bethel Medical Centre, Kohima.
“The Naga people mourn the passing of our National leader. Throughout her life she carried the responsibilities entrusted in the service of the Naga national struggle with dignity, integrity and strength, and remained committed to the political institution and aspirations of the Naga people till her last breath,” it added.
As per sources, the funeral service will be held on October 10, though details are awaited.
The NNC/FGN notification, meanwhile, informed that the authorities of the NNC and FGN are making necessary arrangements for the funeral.
Further official information concerning the period of mourning, funeral arrangements and other related matters will be communicated in due course, it informed.
“At this time of profound sorrow, the NNC and FGN extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the departed beloved leader,” it added.
The NNC/FGN also called upon the Naga people to observe “this solemn moment with peace, dignity, restraint and unity during this period of national mourning.”
Adinno was the eldest daughter of AZ Phizo, considered the ‘father of the Naga nationalist movement.’
Following the death of AZ Phizo in London on April 30, 1990, Adinno was chosen as Acting President of the NNC. Subsequently, she was formally elected president at the NNC General Meeting held at Kohima Village Hall on May 12, 1990.
After more than five decades away from Nagaland in ‘self-exile’, Adinno returned to Nagaland on April 27, 2013, accompanying the mortal remains of her brother, Kevilevor Phizo, who had died abroad.
“We are returning to our beloved homeland, after 50 years for me, and my dear brother Kevilevor is coming home to rest after 46 years,” she had said at the time.
Adinno’s public appearances, however, had become limited in recent years, but she continued to issue messages on matters concerning the Naga political movement and conveyed resolute stance on Naga Voluntary Plebiscite.
In a written message for the NNC’s observance of the 76th Naga Voluntary Plebiscite Day at Peace Hall, Chedema, near Kohima, on May 16, 2026, Adinno called upon Nagas “to uphold the historical truth, remain resolute and dedicated in our democratic fight against occupation.”
“We have nothing to fear or be discouraged. In unity with one voice, we should stand by the position established by our grandfathers and fathers,” she stated.
In the message, she further maintained that May 16, 1951, marked the day Nagas had “firmly asserted the independent status of Nagaland through a voluntary plebiscite.”
The plebiscite, Adinno claimed, was conducted under the leadership of Phizo, then NNC President, in Kohima in the presence of an Indian observer, with 99.9% support for the Naga position, terming it an “irrefutable plebiscite mandate.”
Further details on her death and funeral arrangements are awaited at the time of filing this report.
A towering figure: NPF, others condole
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Adinno Phizo, describing her as a “towering figure and a strong custodian of Naga political history.” As the daughter of A Z Phizo and President of the Naga National Council (NNC), she had dedicated her life to the Naga cause with “unwavering commitment and principle,” the NPF stated.
The NPF said the Nagas had lost “a motherly figure and a true nationalist leader” and that her contributions and sacrifices for the Naga people would always be remembered. It conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and members of the NNC, and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength and solace for the bereaved family.
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) expressed “profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences” over her passing, describing Adinno as a “pillar of conviction, resilience, and dedicated public service.” It said she had spent her entire life serving the Naga people with dignity and “unyielding devotion.”
The CNTC noted that her leadership at the helm of the NNC through “pivotal moments” in Naga history embodied the “spirit, strength, and endurance” of the collective Naga journey. Her passing, it said, “marks the end of a historic era and leaves an irreplaceable void in the sociopolitical fabric of Nagaland.”
The council paid tribute to her decades of sacrifice, unwavering commitment and lifelong contribution to the Naga people, saying her legacy of fortitude and dedication would remain “deeply revered and written in the annals of Naga history.” It extended sympathies to her family, relatives, loved ones and the Naga people.
The Kudawhi Union Dimapur (KUD) also expressed profound sorrow over Adinno’s passing, describing her as a prominent figure in the political history of the Naga people and former President of the NNC.
The KUD said her life of public engagement and steadfast commitment to the political aspirations and identity of the Naga people constituted an important part of Naga political history. It acknowledged her contribution and the place she held in the collective memory of the Naga people.
The Union extended condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, colleagues and all those mourning her passing, and prayed for strength, comfort and fortitude for them to bear the loss.
