Our Team - The Naga Rising

The Naga Rising Team

Along Longkumer

Along Longkumer is a senior journalist from Nagaland, and also a founding member of the Nagaland Press Association having served as its first General Secretary. He was the first Editor of the popular English newspaper, The Morung Express. He currently serves as a Member of its Managing Board and is also a Member of Sisterhood Network, a Nagaland based NGO that works for community development and towards women empowerment.

Constantly inspired to build a better future, he strongly believes in a safe and sustainable world. This has also inspired a personal initiative with his wife, A. Sentiyula called- Restore Life. This initiative advocates and seeks for restoration of the fundamental things around such as- health, environment, values, and faith. The broader vision of Restore Life is to promote well-being and a better world.

Along Longkumer actively engages with social issues and trends through the media portal, The Naga Republic. His frequent commentary and insights are a medium through which he continues his engagements with the complexities of the world. He has written extensively on the Naga political issue and has authored the book titled ‘A Way Forward: The Idea of a Peace Accord between India and the Nagas’, published by Heritage Publishing House in 2015.

Amai Chingkhu

Amai Chingkhu was born in Longleng, “The Land of Clouds” to Mr and Mrs L. Chingkhu Phom, Sakshi village. He received his early education from Christian English School Impur, and Christian English School Dimapur, after which he obtained a Bsc degree from Pune.

Throughout his school and college years, Amai Chingkhu was actively involved with student unions and societies. He is passionate towards working for the marginalised and has strongly campaigned against corruption in the state. He was an executive member of Business Association of Nagaland (BAN) and Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT). He also served as Secretary Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) from 2015-2018.

Amai Chingkhu is married to Narola Jamir, they have two children and are permanently settled in Dimapur. He loves sports and is a District level badminton player.

Hukavi T Yeputhomi

Hukavi T Yeputhomi, was born on 15th February 1972 in Lükhüyimi Village,the second son of Tokheho Yeputhomi and Khüsheli. He attended Assam Rifle School, Zünheboto for early schooling and then joined Govt. High School, Zünheboto for Secondary education. Further on he pursued B.A. Honors in Political Science from Kohima Arts College, after which he joined NEHU, Shillong to obtain a Masters in English.

Hukavi has been actively involved with various Student Unions since the early 90s. He was:

1) Vice President: Eastern Sümi Students Union (ESSU) 1992-94

2) President: Kohima Sümi Students Union (KSSU) 1992-93

3) Secretary: Federal Assembly Naga Students Federation 1993-95

4) President: All Sümi Students Union (SKK) 1995-97

5) Member: Sümi Literature Board

Hukavi was also the Editor and publisher of a Sümi Vernacular Newspaper, “Sümi Yepu” from 2004-07. He continues his commitment towards community building through his active engagement as the Executive Member: Sümi Hoho and also the Chairman: United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA).

Joel Naga

Joel Naga was one of the founding members of ACAUT formed in 2013, (initially called Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation). He was also part of the three member High Powered Committee initiated by then CM, T.R Zeliang in 2014, which was headed by Justice H.K. Sema, retired Supreme Court Justice and Mr. Khekiye K. Sema, IAS (retd). The formation of the HPC was the first official acknowledgement of the problem of unabated taxation by the state government.

From 2015-2018, he served as President, ACAUT. During his tenure, the ACAUT (along with PSAN) succeeded in reducing the NPSC interview marks from 75 to 55 after prolonged agitation in Kohima. Under his leadership, fuel adulteration racket encompassing the three states of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam was exposed in Dimapur, forcing the government to set up a SIT. Another initiative was also highlighting the backdoor appointment issue to the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court where the government was compelled to ban all backdoor appointments. In addition, he along with his colleagues from ACAUT was also responsible for exposing the multi-Crore rice scam in Nagaland.

Joel Naga lives in Dimapur with his wife and five children and continues his community engagements and activism on socio- political issues.

Khesheli Chishi

Keshilie Chishi holds a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) from Eastern Theological College Jorhat, Assam. During her undergraduate, she served as Student Council Chairperson (1981-83). Thereafter, she was Woman Secretary of SBAK, President of NBCC Woman Department and Executive Member of CBCNEI from 1983-1985. She was Secretary of Naga Mother’s Association from 1997-2003 after which she was President for two terms, May 2003 – January 2010. In 2008, she became a member of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and continues to be one till date. Keshilie was the Convener of Indigenous Woman Forum North East India (IWFNEI) from 2010-2015 and is currently the Advisor. She also joined as Advisory Board Member, Calcutta Research Group (CRG) and continues till date.

Keshilie Chishi has actively participated in various peace building initiatives and programmes at both international and national platforms. She was part of an initiative titled, March for Peace, Unity and Reconciliation to Eastern Nagaland (Burma) in 1999 and 2002. In 2005, she attended the United Nations Program on Global Conference for the Prevention of Armed Conflicts from Reaction to Prevention and Build Peace at UN Headquarters in New York. This was followed by a programme titled, Finding Peace through Peaceful Means with the people of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea, 2006. Some of her important participation includes, the Global Leadership of Indigenous Woman Program on Human Rights and International Advocacy, May 2-18 at New York, 2014, 9th Session of the UNPFII, New York 2009, Peace Study tour to South Africa, 2008, CEDAW Review Meeting at Geneva, 2014, CSW60 at New York, 2016. She has also attended various consultation meetings for the Naga Peace Process held in Bangkok and New Delhi in the past.

Khriezodilhou Yhome

Khriezodilhou Yhome is currently a Senior Fellow with Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based public policy think tank. He has a PhD and an MPhil from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and an MA (Political Science) from Hyderabad Central University.

His research interests centre around international relations in regions and sub-regions with a particular focus on South Asia and Southeast Asia. Within the broader study of regional diplomacy, his work has focused on the changing regional geopolitics and the implications on border regions and the role they play in shaping neighbourhood policy.

Some of his publications include Myanmar: Can the Generals Resist Change?; Looking Beyond the Conflict: Changing Dynamics of India-Sri Lanka Ties (co-authored); Emerging Trans-Regional Corridors: South and Southeast Asia (co-edited). He has contributed chapters in edited books and published articles in international/national journals including Asian Survey, India Review, Rising Powers, Strategic Analysis and Global Asia.

Moie Bonny Konyak

Moie Bonny Konyak holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism. She has previously completed an internship at NDTV, Delhi and Morung Express, Nagaland. She was also a recipient of Media Fellowships at National Foundation for India, Delhi. After which, she returned to Nagaland and worked as a Media Officer at National Rural Health Mission, Mon and presently works as the District Programme Manager at National Health Mission, Mon.

Ngukato K. Tsuipu

Ngukato K. Tsuipu is presently a Secretariat Assistant, P&AR dept, Nagaland Civil Secretariat. He completed his education till matriculation at Pughoboto town, after which he pursued his Higher Secondary and Graduation from Baptist College Kohima with History Honors. This was followed with a Post graduation from Delhi University, in History honors with specialization in Medieval Indian History.

Since a young age, he has actively worked with student unions both in Pughoboto and New Delhi. He was the General Secretary (2012-2015), Vice President (2015-2018), and the present President, Pughoboto Area Public Organization Kohima (2018-2021). He continues his community engagements as President, Lazami Social Welfare Organization, Kohima 2017-2022 and Convener interim body, Sumi Aphuyemi Youth Front 2020- till date and Executive Member, Sumi Aphuyemi Hoho 2018-till date.

Ngukato K. Tsuipu has worked as an Assistant Professor at Sazolie College, Phezhu, Jotsoma from 2011-2013 and also as a teaching faculty at NISCE Coaching Institute, Kohima Center (2012-2014). He was also, Assistant Archivist, Art & Culture Department between the years, 2013-2016 and also formed the Public Service Aspirants of Nagaland (PSAN) in 2016.

He currently resides in Kohima with his wife and three daughters.

Dr. Phyoben Odyuo

Dr. Phyoben Odyuo is currently an Assistant Professor, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung. He has been teaching in the college since 2006. He hails from Englan Village, Wokha, Nagaland.

He completed his schooling from Wokha, undergraduate studies from Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima, Nagaland. He completed his MA, M.Phil. and Ph.D from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

His area of interest includes conflict resolutions, electoral politics, and democracy. Dr. Phyoben has published several articles in research journals and books. He has presented and also organised various national and international seminars and conferences.

He writes occasionally in the local dailies on current socio-political issues. He presently resides in Mokokchung with his wife and two children.

Villo Naleo

Villo Naleo is from Viswema Village, Southern Angami. He resides in Kohima with his wife and four children.

He was awarded his PhD in Peacemaking (Peace Studies) at International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) Manila, Philippines. He is an Assistant Professor at Shalom Bible Seminary since 2009. He teaches Theology and Ethics and Peace Studies.

Villo Naleo gives frequent talks in churches and is also actively involved with youth and children. He also writes on political and theological issues.

Y Aheto Sumi

Y Aheto Sumi belongs to Lizu Aviqato village. He has been actively involved with student unions since the mid 70s, and was the founding President of the Lizumi Students Union in 1975 and then went on to serve as the President of Zunheboto Range Students Union in 1977 &79.

He was the Principal of Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur for 15 years, between 2001-2015 during which he also held various profiles such as:

· 2005-2007:- President, All Nagaland Private School Association Dimapur

· 2007-2013:- President, All Nagaland Private School Association: Nagaland.

· 2007-2013:- Member, Nagaland Board of School Education.

· 2010-2012: President, Sumi Baptist Convention

· 2010-2012:-Chairman, Governing Board Trinity Theological College, Thahekhu Dimapur

Aheto Sumi resides in Kushiabill village, Dimapur with his family and continues to actively contribute towards both public and community service.

Kekhwengulo Lea

Kekhwengulo Lea hails from Tsupfume village, Phek. He has actively worked with student unions and tribal organizations. Serving as:

1) President, Razeba Students Union 1988-90.

2) Gen. Secretary, Evangelical Union Science College Kohima 1989-90.

3) Gen. Secretary, Chakhesang Students Union 1990-92.

4) President, Razeba Public Organization 1992-94.

5) Member Secretary, Action Committee NSF 1993-94.

6) President, Chakhesang Students Union 1994-96.

7) Joint Secretary, NPC (Youth Wing) 1997-98.

8) President, Chakhesang Youth Front 1998-2000.

9) President, Razeba Public Organization Kohima 2011-14.

10) Gen. Secretary, Chakhesang Public Organization 2009-15.

11) President, Chakhesang Public Organization 2016-18.

He was the Headmaster, Chakhesang Mission High School, Pfutsero from 2000-2002. Kekhwengulo Lea is a life member of Indian Red Cross Society and currently also serves as:

1) President, Phek Dist. Cooperative Societies Union 2009-21.

2) Vice-Chairman, Nagaland State Cooperative Bank 2016-21.

3) Board of Director, Chakhesang Woman Welfare Society Pfutsero 2020-22.

Vitho Zao

Vitho Zao received his early schooling from Loyola School, Jakhama and then his higher secondary education from Baptist College, Kohima. He then went on to pursue his graduation in Delhi University after which he completed a diploma course on Automobile from Delhi Institute of Science and Technology. He worked with ONGC in 1989 but voluntarily left the job to return to Nagaland and start his business. Apart from being a businessman, he is also deeply involved with community engagements and presently serves as:

· Chairman Kacharigaon Phevima Village Council (KPVC)

· President, Business Association of Nagas (BAN)

· Secretary, Dimapur District Village Council Chairmen’s Association (DDVCCA)

· Secretary, Chakhro Southern Angami Union Dimapur (CSAUD)

· Executive member, Chakhro Angami Kuda Union (CAKU)

· Member, Southern Angami Board of Trustees (SABT)

· President, Jakhama Kuda Union Dimapur.

He runs a firm called ‘City Springs’ in Dimapur where he is currently settled with his family.

Imlimar Longkumer

Mar Longkumer is an entrepreneur based in Dimapur. He received his education from St. Johns (White Hall), Shillong, Holy Cross, Dimapur, Manava International School, New Delhi. He completed his college from Delhi University and returned to Nagaland to start his business. He was also a member of ACAUT and Business Association of Nagas (BAN) East Dimapur Business Association.

Mar currently resides in Dimapur with his family where he oversees his business firms and continues his contributions to the business community.

Tsukti Longkumer

Tsukti Longkumer, a first generation Naga entrepreneur based in Mokokchung town, shares a deep interest and concern for the future of the Naga people in the 21st century. Born and brought up in Mokokchung town during the mid seventies and having grown up in the troubled society as a youth, Longkumer shares a deep concern about the socio-economic and political scenario of the Naga society.

He completed his bachelors from Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung and was also trained under the programme, “Entrepreneurship, Self Employment and Small Scale Industries” at the National Institute of Small Industries Extension Training (NISIET), Yousufguda, Hyderabad. He is actively involved with the Rotary Club, Mokokchung District Arts & Council (MDACC), Associates for Performing Arts and Theatricals (APAT), Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) and Indian Chamber of Commerce. He has represented India during the Trades and Investment Conclave between NE India and Myanmar, held at Yangoon, 2012 and a Recipient of Rotary Club Vocational Excellence Award 2000, Rotary Foundation Service Award for Rendering Service Promoting its Goal of World Understanding and Peace, 2009 and Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award from the Government of Nagaland, 2010.

He is also a Trainer/Resource Person in workshops and seminars on entrepreneurship and self-employment programs. His ideals of envisioning a ‘self-reliant and dignified’ Naga society from a geo-political perspective is what drives him to stand up and speak, as an intellectual, as an entrepreneur, as the son of the soil, and most importantly, as a Naga.

For any communication or queries, email us at: thenagarising@yahoo.com