Nagaland Governor La Ganesan with Speaker Sharingain Longkumer during the NLA session in Kohima on March 3. (DIPR Photo)
NLA has taken steps to ensure peaceful resolution of Naga political issue: Governor
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 3
The sixth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) commenced today, with Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan stating that the House has collectively taken steps to ensure the peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.
“As assured on the floor of this House by the Chief Minister, my government held a consultative meeting with the apex and influential tribal bodies and civil society organisations to deliberate on the Naga political issue,” Ganesan said while addressing the first day of the session. The meeting was held on September 12, 2024.
“I thank members of this august House for their whole-hearted co-operation in this important matter,” he stated. He also informed that on November 21, 2024, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues, met the Union Home Minister and apprised him of the people’s desire for an early solution to the Naga political issue.
Regarding the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO) demand, the Governor said, “My Government submitted our comments on the third draft of the Memorandum of Settlement in respect of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority to the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 6, 2024.” He added that two rounds of discussions had been held, one in New Delhi and the other in Chumoukedima.
“Substantial progress has been made, and we are hopeful that any remaining concerns of the ENPO will be addressed,” he said.
Law and order, infrastructure updates
Ganesan also provided updates on law and order, as well as infrastructure developments in the state. He informed that with the creation of Meluri district, there are now 17 district headquarters, 24 Additional Deputy Commissioner sub-divisions, 18 Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) sub-divisions, and 63 Extra Assistant Commissioner circles in Nagaland. These offices, he stated, spearhead various activities related to development and law and order administration.
On law and order, the Governor said that in 2024, the Nagaland Police registered 1,308 cognisable cases, including 108 cases related to Naga political groups. He further reported that the Police seized more than Rs 44 crore in 2024.
He highlighted the completion of key infrastructure projects under the Police Engineering Project, including the construction of the Superintendent of Police offices in Wokha and Tuensang. Additionally, the officers’ mess and NGOs’ mess at Police Complex, Chumoukedima, have been completed.
He further stated that the State Excise and Prohibition Department seized contraband worth more than Rs 1.18 crore and arrested over 1,770 individuals.
GST & Govt Policies
Providing updates on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Governor informed that as of February 1, 2025, there were 10,826 active taxpayers in Nagaland. He said that various GST awareness and training programs were being conducted at regular intervals to enlighten stakeholders on tax compliance.
Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the state government, he said, “It is necessary for all of us to work towards the fulfilment of the policies of the Government.” He urged that the spirit of cooperation within the House be extended to the wider society.
Expressing hope for constructive deliberations during the sixth session of the 14th NLA, which will continue until March 8, the Governor called on members to conduct discussions in the right spirit, keeping in mind the welfare of the citizens.
Discussion on Governor’s address on March 4
Meanwhile, discussion on the Governor’s address is scheduled for March 4, alongside the laying of various Annual Administrative and Assembly Committee Reports and the introduction of Government Bills and rules.
Earlier in the day, MLA Imkong L. Imchen moved a motion of thanks on the Governor’s address, which was seconded by MLAs Nuklutoshi and Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made an obituary reference to the passing of former Prime Minister of India, the late Dr. Manmohan Singh. Additionally, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer paid tribute to five former members of the Assembly—T.A. Ngullie, K. Zungkum, Bendangangshi Ao, Mhavil Khieya, and Kejong Chang.
The House observed a silent prayer in honor of their departed souls.
