Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs, Imkongmar Longkumer, addressing party workers during the NPF flag hoisting–cum–inauguration of the treasurer’s residence of the 25 Mongoya Assembly Constituency, Chuchuyimpang Unit on February 6.
Morung Express News
Chuchuyimpang | February 6
Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs, Government of Nagaland, Imkongmar Longkumer, on Thursday underscored the need for party discipline, ethical leadership and a clear distinction between political authority and personal entitlement, stating that elected representatives are “not kings but public servants chosen by the people.”
Addressing party workers during the Naga People’s Front (NPF) flag hoisting–cum–inauguration of the treasurer’s residence of the 25 Mongoya Assembly Constituency, Chuchuyimpang Unit, Longkumer recalling his election, noted that “there were three of us contesting,” adding, “By the grace of God, I won.” He asserted that electoral rivalry should not determine development outcomes. “I will look into the development of the entire constituency despite their allegiances during the elections,” he said, adding that he does not believe in making assurances he cannot fulfil. “Unlike others, I don’t make false promises. In this process, I may offend many people, but the party must understand this.”
Addressing party structure, Longkumer stated that “a political party should not function under elected members.” He warned that when leaders lose autonomy, “the party becomes a puppet, and when that happens, it is difficult for the party to move forward.”
Using a football analogy, he said, “The elected members are the players. The party is the owner and the manager. If a player does not play well, the party must have the strength to bench that player.” He added that the relationship between party and elected representatives must be balanced. “The party and elected members should move parallel. Elected members must respect the party, and party leaders must live in a way that they deserve that respect. When this happens, society becomes strong.”
Longkumer further stated that elected representatives often misunderstand their mandate. “We are not kings. We are public servants chosen by the people,” he said, adding that they are “sent as missionaries to serve the people.” He cautioned against dishonesty in public life, stating that “if you lie and cheat, your conscience will never be clear.”
Speaking on governance practices, he criticised the tendency to collect public documents without follow-up. “When someone brings a document, not everything can be completed, but it should at least reach the proper office. It should not be collected and stacked at home,” he said.
Describing himself as “very junior in politics” and a first-time MLA, Longkumer said that among the 10 Ao MLAs, “when others try once, I try twice,” not for personal gain but because “the constituency chose me with trust to represent them.” He stressed that the electoral mandate applies strictly to the elected individual. “It was me who was chosen — not my wife, not my children,” he said.
Calling out a common social practice, he remarked, “In Naga society, this is a problem. When one person is elected, the wife and children start functioning in an ‘advisor status’. This is not right.” He said such practices need to be clearly differentiated and corrected, adding that “the party must back this.”
Reflecting on leadership in Nagaland, Longkumer said that historically, “God chooses one person at a time.” He stated that during an earlier period, S.C. Jamir was chosen to lead, and that “today God has given Neiphiu Rio to lead the people.” He added, “As long as he is there, we should follow him, support him with knowledge, and appreciate him when he does something right.”
He concluded by urging senior party leaders and community elders to guide him on the needs of villages and wards under the constituency, stating that leadership must be strengthened through shared responsibility and collective wisdom.
The party flag was hoisted by Yimya Jamir, President, 25 Mongoya Assembly Constituency.
Short speeches were delivered by Lipokinba Imsong of the Chuchuyimpang Tatar Village Council, Imtitemshi, Vice President of NPF Mokokchung Division, Yangsümong, Advisor, 25 Mongoya Assembly Constituency, and Moasangba Jamir, Advisor, NPF Mokokchung Division.
