Kohima: Nagaland’s 63rd Statehood Day was marked with a strong call for political resolution, as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio placed the Naga Political Issue (NPI) at the forefront of his address, urging all Naga Political Groups, the Government of India and civil society to pursue an early, honourable and inclusive settlement.
He emphasised that the State Government remains committed to facilitating the process, noting the active work of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), its reaffirmation of the 2018 Joint Legislators’ Forum resolutions, and endorsement of the “Ungma Statement” appealing to NPGs to converge for a common approach.
Rio also recalled the broad-based consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, where the House appealed to the Union Government to appoint a political-level interlocutor to restart dialogue with urgency.
Rio reiterated that the Naga Political Issue continues to be the top concern of the Naga people and appealed to all NPGs to rise above differences and work together, while urging New Delhi to re-engage meaningfully. He assured that the State Government will continue to extend all possible support toward a peaceful and lasting settlement.
Addressing the concerns of Eastern Nagaland, the Chief Minister said the government is fully committed to fulfilling the assurances made under the Frontier Nagaland Territory Agreement (FNTA). He noted the tripartite meeting on September 9 in New Delhi between ENPO, the State Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs, followed by an internal ENPO meeting with ENLU Leaders Forum on September 12, where the state submitted its position on MoS-III.
Turning to the Hornbill Festival, Rio highlighted that the 26th edition will feature six partner countries, with Arunachal Pradesh as the state partner. This year’s festival will also host round table sessions with each country, covering sectors such as agriculture and allied activities, entrepreneurship, MSMEs, climate resilience, higher education and creative industries.
He congratulated citizens on Nagaland’s achievements since Statehood, while noting that substantial progress must still be made. He expressed deep appreciation for the vision and sacrifices of past leaders who guided Nagaland’s journey, while calling on people to continue working with unity and purpose.
The Chief Minister noted that youth make up 22% of Nagaland’s population and highlighted ongoing investments in sports infrastructure, including the introduction of a ₹3 lakh LADP Sports Fund for all districts. He announced that the State will host the National School Games Taekwondo Championship, the Asian Women’s Sepak Takraw Championship 2026, and continue the Dr Talimeren Ao U-17 Football Championship. Rio said that TaFMA continues to identify and groom artists for larger platforms and announced the upcoming Nagaland World Music Festival 2025.
In the education sector, Rio announced the creation of 129 Assistant Professor posts, upgrades under PM-USHA and the establishment of four new Model Degree Colleges. The State is adopting the NEP 2020 technical curriculum, with an AI lab established at ICIT under the PM’s GDI initiative. He said a new Technical Education Policy is being prepared, alongside revised regulations for Private Technical Institutions and a new Rural Employability Skills programme. The Nagaland Technology & Industrial Innovation Policy (NTIIP) 2025 is also being readied, and a modern Mechanical Workshop-cum-Training Centre has been set up at Shokhuvi under the World Bank-funded NECTAR project.
Rio highlighted the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund, which has been benefitting needy patients, the creation of a Nagaland Innovation Hub for startups, and the implementation of SAMARTH and the AI & Future Skills Centre of Excellence, recently visited by the Union Finance Minister.
He reported improvements under the NECTAR project for school education, including the establishment of Light House School Complexes, assessment reforms, the Yamaha Music MoU for certified instructors and the Mission SOAR aviation training programme.
Updating on connectivity, Rio listed the progress of road construction under PMGSY, NESIDS, and the ongoing improvement of NH-61 and NH-702A. He said the State is upgrading air connectivity in the four landing strips and advancing inland waterways projects at Noune, Shilloi and Doyang, with a proposal for Tizu–Zungki being sent to the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
Rio reported upgrades in the power sector, including increasing the transformation capacity of Nagarjan sub-station and enhancing the Tsitrongse 132/33 kV substation, along with preparation of a 2035 transmission capacity plan. In the health sector, he said Nagaland has launched the “Swasth Nari Abhiyaan” campaign, recorded zero malaria in seven districts under the Malaria Mukt Bharat campaign, and received national recognition for the CMHIS scheme. Construction of a 400-bed Medical College Hospital with JICA support is also underway.
Discussing urban development, he highlighted the State’s urbanisation rate of 34.16% and ongoing workshops for councillors and municipal staff, along with procurement of sanitation vehicles. He mentioned the inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park, built in collaboration with Japan, and the planned development of “Nagaki City” at Chathe Valley, for which the master plan and land acquisition processes have begun.
He cited progress in agriculture through the implementation of Agri Stack, organic cultivation under MOVCDNER and the MoU with the National Jute Board. Horticulture, sericulture and fisheries initiatives are continuing, with assistance reaching thousands of beneficiaries. The State’s coffee sector has expanded significantly, with growing exports and the Coffee Board holding key meetings in Kohima.
Rio also highlighted the success of NSRLM in expanding SHG coverage, advancing the Lakpati Didi Vision and generating person-days under MGNREGA, with women’s participation at 64%. Under DUDA, the State is working to uplift underdeveloped areas and border villages and is developing the Konyak Heritage Complex at Chenmoho, while the Hornbill Festival will see expanded events in Mon.
Rio concluded with an appeal for peace, unity and cooperation, saying the relaxation in Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for foreigners reflects improved law and order. He urged the Centre to consider permanently lifting the PAP regime. Ending on a hopeful note, he called on citizens to work collectively for a brighter future for Nagaland.