Kohima, February 28 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) held its General Body Meeting and a solemn Rite of Passage at de Oriental Grand, Kohima, marking the conclusion of its first five-year term (2020–2025) and the installation of a new leadership team. Members from across the Naga homeland and the global diaspora participated both in person and online.
The outgoing leadership, Prof Emeritus Paul Pimomo (Secretary), Ram Muivah, IAS (Retd.) (Co-Convenor), and James Pochury (General Secretary), were honoured for five years of service. Their tenure included fact-finding missions to Oting and Khamoi, AFSPA walkathons, and the Naga Solidarity Walk held under the banner “One People, One Destiny.” The Forum also undertook advocacy initiatives at the United Nations and in Geneva.
The following office bearers were formally inducted for the 2026–2030 term: Chuba Ozukum (Convenor), Prof Dr Rosemary Dzuvichu (Co-Convenor), Samuel Pou, Hong Kong (Co-Convenor), Dr Venusa Tunyi (Secretary), Lakpachui Siro (General Secretary), and Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu (Treasurer).
In his acceptance address, re-nominated Convenor Chuba Ozukum reaffirmed the Forum’s founding principle, stating that leadership and officials may change, but the responsibility remains the same. He said the Forum has never been about positions but about shared responsibility.
The new leadership pledged to advance the Forum’s mandate for 2026–2030, focusing on the pursuit of a just and lasting Indo-Naga political settlement, sustained international advocacy at the United Nations and the European Union, campaign for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), youth capacity-building through the Naga Civic Fellowship, and ensuring the Forum’s financial independence.
The GNF reaffirmed its commitment to peace as a precondition for justice and reiterated that the Naga people would continue to pursue a democratic and non-violent path.
