Late Adinno Z. Phizo, president of the Naga National Council (NNC) since 1990 and eldest daughter of the late A.Z. Phizo, died on 8 October 2026 at the age of 93. The former leader, who had guided the NNC for more than three decades, was laid to rest in her native village of Khonoma on Saturday.
The funeral service was held at the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) Mission Compound in Kohima, where Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo delivered the sermon. He praised Adinno’s resilience, courage, wisdom and love for the Naga nation, and urged the people to draw strength from her faith and the spiritual foundations that guided her life. Vihienuo quoted biblical passages to offer comfort and concluded with a reminder of divine support.
Tributes came from across the Naga community. Takuyaba Longkumer of the Ao Region NNC highlighted her lifelong dedication to the Naga cause and her role in preserving the 1951 voluntary plebiscite as a key historical reference. Thejao Vihienuo of the Angami Public Organisation praised her perseverance and her demonstration that leadership is based on conviction rather than gender. Vezhü Keyho of the Chakhesang Public Organisation called the funeral a significant moment in Naga social and political history and urged unity. Mteisuding of the Naga Students’ Federation described her death as the end of a major chapter and a reminder for youth of political responsibility. FGN Kedahge Kezha, Pashen of the NNC, and Ato Zhimomi of the Sumi Region expressed grief and acknowledged her steadfast commitment to Naga sovereignty. Jasazzo Phizo, her youngest brother, thanked supporters and appealed for forgiveness from those who may have been hurt.
The ceremony was conducted by Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü, with a Bible reading by Rev. A.S. Vaoshok and a prayer by Rev. Noksa Chiu. The national anthem was sung by Union Baptist Church, Kohima, followed by folk and musical messages from the Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute and Rengma Baptist Church. A vote of thanks was proposed by Naga National Funeral Committee member Toshinaro Longkumer.
After the service, Adinno’s remains were taken to Khonoma for burial beside her younger brother, Kevilevor Phizo. A reception programme organized by Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland was held at Dzüsie, led by Dr. Vitsosie Vüprü. Rev. Tsolie Chase offered the prayer, Jasazzo Phizo expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, and the committal was performed by Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo.
