Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio takes salute during the 63rd Nagaland Statehood Day celebration in Kohima on December 1. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 1
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today appealed all the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), the Government of India and all the stakeholders to appreciate the pressing urgency and yearning of “our people to arrive at an honourable, acceptable and inclusive settlement of the Naga Political issue without further delay.”
“We continue to be mindful about the Naga Political Issue, the final settlement of which has eluded us. My Government has been unwaveringly pursuing for an early settlement,” he added, addressing the 63rd Statehood Day celebration in Kohima on December 1.
To this end, CM Rio highlighted how the State government have constituted the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) comprising all the Ministers, Advisors, representatives of all the political parties, and Members of Parliament to review and discuss all major issues relating to Naga Political Issue.
During its meeting on September 15, 2025, the PAC unanimously resolved to endorse the Ungma Statement of August 23, 2025, which upholds the unity, courage, and enduring pursuit of a shared future for the Naga people, he said.
The Committee also backed the call for all NPGs, with tribal hohos’ collective support, to unite on a ‘Common Ground’ and pursue a shared political vision based on the Naga people’s historical and political rights, he added.
Further noting that the PAC also that the peace talks be resumed at the political level in order to expedite the negotiation process, the Chief Minister said the State Government had also convened a broad-based Consultative Meeting on September 12, 2024 with all stakeholders, including tribal hohos, civil society representatives, mass-based organisations, church bodies, NGOs, gazetted officers' unions, student bodies, and political parties.
CM Rio stated that the meeting unanimously resolved to urge the Government of India (GoI) to elevate the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the highest political level by appointing a political or ministerial-level interlocutor with the government’s confidence and mandate.
Govt optimistic on early FNTA resolution
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister acknowledged that while the State’s development aims for equity and inclusivity, Eastern Nagaland has lagged behind other regions for various reasons.
Accordingly, he held that the State Government fully understands the concerns of Eastern Nagaland and is committed to addressing their aspirations through a Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) arrangement.
CM Rio also highlighted the last tripartite talks between the representatives of GoI, the State Government, and ENPO on September 9, subsequent Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO)-State Government meetings, Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU)-ENPO discussions, and the State Government’s recent submission of comments on the draft FNTA Memorandum of Settlement III to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
As a result, he expressed hope for the early resolution of all issues regarding FNTA.
Most ‘peaceful’ state
Nagaland remains one of the most peaceful states in the country without any incident of serious law and order situation and no major security challenges, the Chief Minister vaunted.
The civil administration, police, and security forces deserve full praise for their efforts, he said.
Given the peaceful situation, CM Rio informed that the State has urged the Union Government to relax the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime reimposed since December 2024, as it may deter visitors and tourists.
Following positive response, he also expressed gratitude to the MHA for relaxing the PAP regime in Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival.
However, CM Rio requested the Union Government to consider permanent lifting of PAP regime in Nagaland to boost tourism and support the State's growth.
He further exhorted all the citizens of the Nagaland to come and work together to build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to the progress and well-being of our beloved Nagaland,” CM Rio added.
