Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio presenting the Nagaland state budget at the 8th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 26. (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 26
Presenting the state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio reaffirmed his government's dedication to resolving the decades-old Naga political issue.
“My Government remains firmly committed to achieving a peaceful and early settlement of the Naga political issue,” Dr Rio said in his budget speech.
To strengthen and institutionalise this effort, he informed the House that the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) has been constituted. The committee comprises all Ministers, elected representatives of all tribes, representatives of all political parties, and Members of Parliament from the state.
The CM stated that the PAC continues to review key issues pertaining to the Naga political issue. He added that to further streamline and intensify its efforts, a Sub-Committee has also been constituted under his chairmanship.
Dr Rio said that he, along with his cabinet colleagues and members of the Sub-Committee, met the Union Home Minister on February 5. During the meeting, he said, they requested the Government of India to elevate the ongoing peace dialogue with Naga Political Groups by appointing an interlocutor at the political or ministerial level.
“We requested them to expedite the process and arrive at an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution at the earliest,” the CM said.
He informed the Assembly that the Centre has responded positively to the state’s demand.
“I am happy to inform that the Government of India has responded positively by initiating the constitution of a Committee under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the progress of the Naga political talks and address the unresolved issues,” he said.
