21 young candidates contesting Nagaland polls

MOKOKCHUNG/KOHIMA: For years, young people from Nagaland have headed out across the country, especially to Delhi's St Stephen's college, for higher education. This election, some of them are hoping to turn the tide.
Twenty-one candidates under the age of 40 are contesting these elections and eight of them studied at Delhi's St Stephen's college. Among their dreams: improving the state's education and employment opportunities, so that future generations of young people won't have to leave the state.
Merentoshi R Jamir who is contesting on an Naga People's Front ticket from Mongoya constituency in Mokokchung district finished his philosophy honours from Stephen's in 2002. His father, Nagaland's chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir, is also a graduate of Stephen's, while his mother, Nagaland's additional chief secretary Banou Z Jamir, and wife both went to Delhi's Miranda House. At 32, Merentoshi is the state's second youngest candidate and is contesting against former minister Ngangshi K Ao, who, at 71, is among the state's oldest candidates.
Since returning to his home state, Merentoshi has set up two companies – a private finance company called 'Hornbill Finance Ltd' and a construction company called 'Look East" – and is passionate about bringing the private sector to his state. On the five hour drive from Kohima to Mokokchung, there isn't a single advertisement for a private company, and Merentoshi says he wants to change this. "For many years, the government service has been the only option for young people, and there is acute competition for a few jobs. The rest have to leave the state. There is still a misconception that Nagaland is a disturbed state, but private capital, including foreign firms, is slowly coming in," Merentoshi says.
"Schools in Nagaland are very good, but for any sort of professional course, we have to leave home," says Leeai, a 24-year-old who has been studying aviation in Bangalore and has returned home to Mokokchung for a holiday. "If there were better college here, our parents would be much happier for us, especially for girls, to stay here," Leeai admits. Virtually every home in the small town has a son or daughter in Pune, Delhi or Bangalore.
One of Merentoshi's batchmates was N Jacob Zhimomi who is contesting as an independent candidate in Dimapur's Ghaspani-I constituency. Both Zhimomi and independent candidate from Ghaspani-II, Khaiminlun – also an alumnus of Stephen's – have spoken out against tribalism, a stand that is popular among many of the state's urban youth, but is seen as a radical stand by older Nagas.
Other St Stephen's alumni include Rusemtong Longkumer, son of veteran Congress leader and former minister Nungshizenba Longkumer who is contesting on an NPF ticket from Mokokchung town and Khekaho of the Congress who is contesting from Akuluto in Zunheboto district. Environmentalist and activist Mmhonlumo Kikon (35) is contesting on an NCP ticket from Bhandari.
Nagaland has an active Stephanian chapter which meets frequently, and invitees distinguished alumni and former principals for talks.