2022 Recap: A new dawn! 5 new districts; all-party government in Nagaland

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Dec. 30 (EMN): Creation and inauguration of five new districts marked an eventful year for Nagaland in 2022 as the state gears itself for the 2023 assembly election.

Three years after its creation on December 21, 2017, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio formally inaugurated Noklak as the 12th district of Nagaland on January 20.

The following month on Feb. 24, Rio again inaugurated Tseminyu as the 13th district of the hilly state.

Niuland, earlier a sub-division under Dimapur district, became the 14th district after its formal inauguration by Minister of PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi on June 28.

Again on June 29, the chief minister formally inaugurated Chümoukedima, also a sub-division under Dimapur district, as a full-fledged district.

Erstwhile Shamator sub-division under Tuensang district became the state’s 16th district after Rio formally inaugurated it on March 4 2022, calling it as “brotherhood district.”

Earlier in February, people in several parts of Nagaland woke up to extreme cold condition with many surroundings covered in blanket of white snow.

While the sight attracted citizens, it also raised concern over the impact of climate change on the ecosystem.

State chief secretary J Alam on May 19, directed all check gates set up within the state by various organisations, groups, government agencies, private individuals and others, to be closed immediately.

To curb alleged illegal tax collection in the state, the Governor of Nagaland ordered all check gates set up by the police and other departments, including municipal and town councils, to be closed immediately throughout the state, except the existing inter-state check gates.

The Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks, AK Mishra, and leaders of NSCN (IM) met at Chümoukedima Police Complex on April 23, to hammer out differences for a settlement to the vexed Naga political issue. Mishra assured the NSCN (IM) delegation led by Muivah that the final agreement would be based only on the Framework Agreement signed between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015.

On April 25, chief minister Neiphiu Rio announced that the NDPP and BJP, which entered into a pre-poll alliance in 2018, will continue the pact even in the 2023 assembly election.

On April 29, 21 legislators of Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) merged with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) along with former Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenye.

The 21 legislators included NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang, Moatoshi Longkumer, Azheto Zhimomi, Keneizhakho Nakhro, Y Vikheho Swu, Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, Yitachu, Amenba Yaden, Imtiwapang Aier, Imkong L Imchen, Picto Shohe, Dr Chumben Murry, YM Yollow, CL John, N Thongwang Konyak, Eshak Konyak, EE Pangteang, BS Nganlang Phom, Muthingnyuba Sangtam, Toyang Chnag and Kejong Chang.

Nagaland cabinet on April 22 increased the superannuation age of all the medical doctors including AYUSH and dental doctors from 60 to 62 years through re-employment as consultants, senior consultants and specialists to work in hospitals and clinics.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) completed its probe into the December 4 Oting incident that killed 14 innocent villagers — 13 in a botched ambush by the 21 Para Special Forces and its aftermath.

The state DGP, T John Longkumer, on June 11, said that 30 members of the operation team of 21 Para Security Forces, including one Major, two subedars, eight Hav/THM, four Nk, six L/Nk and nine paratroopers, have been named in the charge sheet filed in connection with the case.

Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, on June 9 said Nagaland Medical College will become functional from next academic session.

Chief Minister Neiphu Rio on August 8 proposed six power projects to the central government for strengthening the state’s power system and earning revenue from power supply.

On August 26, Rio also flagged off a passenger train service — Donyi Polo Express – which will run between Shokhuvi Railway Station and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh daily.

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Sep. 13 objected to the interview component of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) recruitment process, stating that there should not be any room for ‘loopholes’.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Sep. 22 resolved to construct the Trans-Nagaland Expressway (Foothill road) through the North Eastern Council (NEC).

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO, on Oct. 16, stated that eastern Nagaland tribes will abstain from participating in the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2022. ENPO also declared that eastern Nagaland people will not take part in the 2023 state assembly election.