Dimapur: Nagaland Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye has urged young people to exercise their democratic rights responsibly, particularly freedom of expression, while upholding the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Addressing the 18th National Youth Parliament Competition 2026 at Nagaland University’s Lumami campus on Tuesday, Kenye said the freedom to express one’s views comes with corresponding responsibilities. He urged students to speak with sincerity, commitment and purpose, and to believe in what they communicate.

Referring to the making of the Constitution, Kenye acknowledged the contributions of Dr BR Ambedkar and the members of the Constituent Assembly in establishing the constitutional framework that has sustained India’s democratic system through changing times.

He said India’s diversity, encompassing different cultures, traditions, languages and social realities, make the functioning of democracy both challenging and significant.

Kenye also highlighted Nagaland’s special constitutional provisions, particularly Article 371A, which safeguards Naga religious and social practices, customary laws and procedures, and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

He referred to the circumstances surrounding Nagaland’s formation and said Article 371A reflected the understanding and foresight of the state’s leaders in protecting the identity and interests of the Naga people.

Kenye also drew attention to people in different parts of the world who are denied the opportunity to express their views, underscoring the importance of recognising and exercising democratic freedoms responsibly.

The competition focused on parliamentary democracy, constitutional values and democratic participation among students.