Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calls for collective efforts for peace, resolution of Naga issue

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that Nagaland government has been acting as an active facilitator in the Indo-Naga peace process and stressed the need for collective efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Speaking at the 79th Independence Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima, Rio said that resolving the Naga issue remains a top priority of his government. He described the peace process as a symbol of hope for a lasting solution that fulfils the aspirations of the people.

Extending greetings to the public, he paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who secured the nation’s freedom, saying their courage and sacrifice will forever inspire future generations.

He said that the government is working in line with the Constitution to meet the democratic aspirations of the people and urged citizens to reflect on the strength, resilience, and cultural heritage of the Nagas.

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Nagaland, with its rich tapestry of culture and traditions, has always contributed to the spirit of the Indian nation—steadfast in values, vibrant in diversity, and strong in its resolve to move forward with peace and progress, he stated.

Rio also called on the people to renew their collective commitment to build a future rooted in unity, development, and dignity for all.

FNT, FMR and ILP

The CM said that the state government remains committed to addressing the concerns of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and acknowledged the development deficit in the region. He informed that substantial progress had been made on the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) issue, with the latest tripartite talks held on July 23 in Delhi.

On the Free Movement Regime (FMR), he said that the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to reduce the movement limit from 16 to 10 km and restrict crossings to nine designated points has caused hardships to border communities. The state government, he said, has urged the Centre to review the revised guidelines with a flexible approach.

According to Rio, the eviction drive in the Disturbed Area Belt along the Assam–Nagaland border is being jointly carried out by both states to maintain status quo and prevent the influx of illegal migrants.

Highlighting a milestone in governance, he said the ILP issuance process was fully digitised on January 1 this year. Between January 1 and June 30, 26,534 ILPs were issued across various categories. The Cabinet has also decided to maintain a register of ILP holders in villages and introduce a new category for certain workers, with mandatory police notification on their arrival.

The CM said that the law and order situation remains largely stable, crediting it to the coordination between civil administration, police, and security forces.

Health and social sectors

Rio highlighted the decline in the state’s Infant Mortality Rate from 18 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 4 in 2020. Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, 98,761 treatments worth INR 182.98 crore have been provided since 2018, while the CM’s Health Insurance Scheme has delivered 30,266 treatments worth INR 120.42 crore since 2022.

He also announced the establishment of the Nagaland State Drugs Testing Laboratory in Kohima.

Rio said that the “Naga Organics” brand under MOVCDNER scheme is boosting the organic industry, with Nagaland winning Trinity’s Best of India Award 2025. Coffee has been adopted as the state’s Unique Selling Point.

He also mentioned framing of rules to eliminate child labour, designating all Employment Exchanges as Special Employment Exchanges under the RPwD Act, and notifying the Nagaland Trade Investment and Industrial Policy.

Infrastructure projects include 10 new helipads, upgrading four existing ones, and an inter-state truck terminus at Chümoukedima. The government is also investing in Urban Local Bodies, housing under PMAY-Urban, and 64 projects under AMRUT 2.0 to make towns water-secure.

The chief minister urged the people to work with courage, compassion, and commitment to make Nagaland stronger, inclusive, and self-reliant.

On the occasion, he hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute, inspected the parade, presented the Governor’s Awards, commissioned waste collection vehicles to 20 ULBs, and virtually inaugurated bio-fertiliser production units.