Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and others after unveiling monolith for 17th Kuo Descendants Meet of Naga Kuotsu Union at Zapami village on May 7. (Morung Photo)
CM graces 17th Kuo Descendants Meet 2026 at Zapami
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 7
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today said that the Naga people, wherever they may be, should have emotional, social and cultural integration.
“When there is emotional, social and cultural integration, people will respect us, our political issue will be strengthened and solution can come immediately,” the CM maintained, addressing the 17th Kuo Descendants Meet (Triennial general conference) of Naga Kuotsu Union (NKU) on May 7 at Zapami village under Phek district.
Reiterating the long standing demand for integration of contiguous Naga areas under one administrative umbrella, he said: “If it will take time to physically integrate, we should work towards emotional, social and cultural integration.”
Nagas are in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal and big group in Myanmar, he said.
“Together, let us uphold our family, our clan, our tribe,” he added, calling upon the people to come together to build pan-Naga family.
He lauded NKU for bringing Kuotsu clan-men from different states and express hope that it would strengthen ‘Nagaism.’
He also voiced confidence that through NKU, the Naga society would continue to grow from strength to strength.
Further, the Chief Minister stressed that all clans should come together to build a strong foundation for Naga society.
Earlier, he unveiled the NKU monolith, which symbolised the descendants of Kuo from Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang community, affirming unity, peace and shared purpose.
Dr. Rio said that there is no greater joy than coming together and celebrating togetherness as one family. He applauded the pioneers for the formation of the NKU in 1970 and keeping the Kuotsu family intact for 56 years.
He said legacy shapes the future and called upon the gathering to continue to maintain the spirit of oneness and plan for a prosperous future. Expressing concern over the trends of westernisation and social change in present society, the CM called upon the Kuotsu family to preserve and cherish their identity, roots and history.
He also released the Silver Jubilee souvenir of Aphou- Khrori (Kuotsu) and later handed over certificates of appreciation to 12 outstanding achievers among Kuotsu family. The achievers were Er. Chireuding Hieme Kuotsu (1st Naga Nuclear scientist in 2019); Ruopfüzhano Whiso Kuotsu (4th Runner up of Miss Universe India 2024); Rüüzeno Kuotsu (Sushruta awardee for academic excellence); Visalie Koutsu ( Best film awardee on ‘Ade-On a Sunday’); Neibodzelie Solo Kuotsu (Chairperson Kohima Municipal Council); Peheutingyibe Herie Kuotsu (National Service Scheme awardee 2020-21); Eva Tetoe Khutsoh Kuotsu (HSLC 2026 topper); Neithozonuo K Kuotsu (HSLC 2026 topper); Rukutho Kotso Kuotsu (HSLC 2026 topper); Salevizo Kuotsu (HSLC 2024 Topper); Viphreno Kuotsu (HSLC 2024 topper); and Aseno Kielienyü Kuotsu (HSSLC 2025 (Arts) topper).
NKU President Peter Kuotsu informed that the Kuotsu clan spreads over 89 villages in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam. He said that NKU was formed in 1970 with Satuo Kuotsu as the first Chairman.
NKU General Secretary Rajuselie Lhousa Kuotsu said that with the passage of time, Kuo-u descendants are scattered across different places, tribes and locations, but are still connected in spirit. He called upon the gathering to stand firm on the foundation of peace, love and brotherhood.
Zapuvisie Lhousa Kuotsu, 1st General Secretary NKU shared the Kuo story.
Ravolhuto Whiso Kuotsu, Convenor Nomination Committee announced that the present team of the NKU will continue for the next tenure till 2029 and incumbent President Peter Kuotsu accepted the same with humility.
Elderly blessing was pronounced by Welonyi Khutsoh Kuotsu. Rev. Dr. Neingupe Chiero Kuotsu, Senior Pastor, Pfutsero Town Baptist Church invoked God’s blessings. Punglwa cultural troupe and Kuzha Culture Society Zapami presented cultural songs.
Earlier, Organizing Committee Convenor Kedoutsolhi Wetsah Kuotsu delivered welcome address while vote of thanks was proposed by Neivikuolie Khatsü Kuotsu, vice president NKU.
The service for unveiling of monolith was led by Vekhosa Kotso Kuotsu while Dr. Riku Khutso Kuotsu and Dr. Ketousenuo Kuotsu compered the event. MLAs Dr. Neisatuo Mero, Kevipodi Sophie and Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhütso were also present at the programme.
The 17th Kuo Descendants Meet and 56th year formation of NKU coincided with the silver jubilee of the Aphou- Khrori (Kuotsu) Zapami.
.png)
