CM calls for unity, respect for institutions, and cultural pride

Civic Reception Honours CM Neiphiu Rio at Moatsü Festival 2025

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 2

A civic reception was held in honor of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the ongoing Moatsü Festival in Mokokchung on May 2, where he was received by people of the six ranges of Mokokchung district. Held under the theme “Celebrating Our Roots,” the three-day festival is organized by Ao Senden and is being touted as the biggest Moatsü celebration to date.

Rio expressed gratitude for the warmth and respect shown to him. He said the honor bestowed upon him was not about individual achievement, but a reflection of the collective journey and pioneering spirit of the Ao community and the Naga people at large.

“Whatever I achieve in life, it is through God’s grace and the people like you who made it possible,” Rio said, sharing the recognition he received with his colleagues, leaders and citizens of Nagaland.

Highlighting the historical contributions of the Ao tribe in education, religion and progress, Rio recalled the honor of receiving a doctorate degree from the North East Christian University in recognition of his public service and contribution to human development. He acknowledged the foundational role played by the Ao people in pioneering many milestones in Nagaland’s growth and Christian faith.

Rio underscored the relevance of Naga customary law, praising indigenous justice systems—particularly the role of Village Councils and Dobashi courts—as effective, community-based mechanisms for resolving disputes.

“These institutions deliver justice quickly, without cost, and in a way that seeks reconciliation,” he said, contrasting them with formal courts that often remain inaccessible to villagers.

He cited the Village and Area Council Act of 1978 and its 2022 amendment that replaced Area Councils with Range Councils. He emphasized that disputes between individuals, villages or tribes should be settled within these frameworks, reiterating that state government decisions in such matters are final and binding.

Raising concern over the mushrooming of unregulated civil society groups and associations, Rio said, “Both so-called underground and overground—there are too many organizations. Some are legitimate and have a public mandate, like tribal hohos or recognized bodies.”

“However, there are also unauthorized groups that come together, form associations, and act based on what they believe is right, without any formal recognition. The government intends to conduct a thorough review of such organizations and explore ways to regulate them. Because too many organisations means too many heads, too many taxes, too many problems,” he said.

“Democracy gives you the right to speak, but it must be on the right platform and by the right persons,” he cautioned.

He lamented the lack of consensus among both “overground and underground” groups, warning that without unity, resolving long-standing political issues—including the Naga Framework Agreement—would remain elusive.

Rio also addressed concerns over the recent curtailment of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border, which reduced the permissible movement range from 16 to 9 kilometers and imposed stricter crossing conditions.

He said he had raised the matter with the Union Government during a meeting in Agartala in December 2024 and through a follow-up communique in January 2025. He assured that a state delegation led by him would soon meet with Union Home Ministry officials to push for a review.

“Without resolving these restrictions, development and outside investment will remain hampered,” Rio warned.

On local development, he referenced a new multi-purpose stadium project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to balanced district development, considering tribal needs and demands. He praised Mokokchung’s elected representatives and encouraged them to emerge as leaders for the entire state.

Rio concluded by highlighting the true spirit of Moatsü: forgiveness, renewed friendships and reaffirmation of Naga identity.

In his welcome address, Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong called the event a historic day, celebrating both Moatsü and the leadership of Dr. Rio, whom he described as a statesman of national stature and a true son of the soil.

Imsong praised Rio’s contributions to peace, development and political resolution, crediting his seasoned leadership for bringing stability.

Also addressing the gathering were Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development & SIRD; Imkong L. Imchen, Advisor for IPR and Soil & Water Conservation; and the president of the Tenyimi Union Nagaland. The cultural segment featured folk dances by all Tzükong Mungdangs (Ranges).