Kohima, Mar 5 (MExN): Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) National Secretary S Richard Humtsoe on Thursday said Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has provided experienced and stable leadership in the state’s democratic journey, highlighting his role in promoting political unity and dialogue on key issues.
In a statement, Humtsoe said the leadership of Rio has resulted in a rare political situation in Nagaland where the ruling coalition and other political stakeholders have come together in a spirit of cooperation, creating an opposition-less legislative environment. According to him, the arrangement reflects a collective commitment towards peace, development and inclusive governance for the people of the state.
He said the chief minister’s governance approach emphasises infrastructure development, economic opportunities, youth empowerment and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people.
Humtsoe also described Rio as one of the most influential leaders in the Naga political issue, noting that he has consistently pushed the Government of India to conclude the long-pending Indo-Naga peace talks.
According to the LJP (RV) leader, Rio has supported Naga unity and reconciliation efforts and facilitated dialogue between Naga political groups and the Centre. The Nagaland government has also backed consultations with tribal bodies and civil society groups to maintain consensus on the peace process, he said.
Referring to the demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territory raised mainly by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), Humtsoe said the state government has engaged with the Centre to explore possible special administrative arrangements for the eastern districts.
The demand for Frontier Nagaland has largely been raised by tribes from eastern districts such as Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Noklak, Shamator and Kiphire, who have argued that the region has faced economic and political neglect. Discussions with the Centre have included proposals for a Frontier Nagaland Territory with certain legislative and executive autonomy, though no final arrangement has been implemented so far.
Humtsoe said Rio does not support dividing Nagaland but has instead advocated dialogue and negotiations to address the concerns of eastern Nagaland while maintaining the unity of the state.
He added that the chief minister has consistently called for an early and honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue and has supported bringing all Naga groups together so that any final agreement is inclusive and acceptable to the Naga people.
The LJP (RV) leader also noted that the present opposition-less government in Nagaland, comprising six political parties — the NPF, BJP, NPP, LJP (RV), RPI and JD(U) — has played a facilitating role in encouraging dialogue between Naga groups and the central government.
Humtsoe said Rio continues to advocate a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the decades-long Naga political issue while supporting discussions on special administrative arrangements to address the aspirations of eastern Nagaland without dividing the state.
