Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and others after unveiling a monolith for Lui Ngai Ni 2026 at Ukhrul on February 15
Stresses unity, shared identity and destiny at Lui Ngai festival
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 15
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio today said that unity among the Nagas is the need of the day.
“True unity does not mean uniformity, nor does it silence diversity. True unity is when we recognise in each other- not differences, but shared destiny-and when we choose to walk together with mutual respect and understanding,” Dr. Rio said while addressing Lui Ngai Ni 2026 on February 15 at Ukhrul in Manipur state.
This festival was organised by United Naga Council and hosted by Tangkhul Naga Long under the theme “Cultural Renaissance.”
“We have gathered here not merely to observe a festival, but to reaffirm who we are as a people. To remember our forefathers who planted seeds not only in the soil, but in our collective soul, to renew our bonds with one another, and to pray for abundance in our fields, strength in our communities, and hope for the future,” Dr. Rio said.
Though we may be physically divided by administrative boundaries, we remain emotionally integrated as one Naga family, Dr. Rio said.
“Emotional integration and social & cultural cohesion are the true foundations of our strength,” he said adding that geography may define our administrative arrangements, but it cannot diminish the ties of kinship, culture, and faith that unite us.
As such we need to work towards a Pan-Naga to provide a platform for our collective voice, he said.
For the Nagas, Dr. Rio said, festivals are expressions of thanksgiving, but they are also lessons in life.
Our forefathers knew that the strength of a people lies not only in physical courage, but in strength of character, discipline, and spirit, he said.
As we pray for a good harvest, we also pray for peace in every home, harmony in every community, and respect among all within our extended Naga family, the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Rio called upon the people to sow seeds of unity, wisdom. responsibility and hope.
“Let as build bridges between generations, between communities, and with the wider world, firmly anchored in our self-respect and identity, he said.
Aspiration for unity
Dr. Rio acknowledged that Nagaland is privileged to have its own State—an achievement born out of history, struggle, and aspiration.
He said that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, reflecting the voice and sentiment of the people, had unanimously passed 6 (Six) resolutions - on 12th December, 1964, 28th August, 1970, 16th September, 1994, 18th December, 2003, 27th July, 2015 and 20th September, 2018 for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella.
“These resolutions were passed as various organisations petitioned GoI for an early, honourable, and inclusive settlement to the long-pending Indo-Naga political issue,” he said.
On September 12, 2024, a consultative meeting was held with various stakeholders, including civil and tribal societies, student bodies, and representatives from different political parties.
The meeting resulted in a resolution being passed, appealing to the Government of India to resolve the Naga political issue as soon as possible.
He said that a total of 61 organizations attended the meeting, with 226 signatories endorsing the resolution, which calls for political-level dialogue.
After the Framework Agreement was signed in 2015 and Agreed Position in 2017 there was a gap of 9 years.
As such, on 5th February 2026, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) (Sub-Committee) met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and reiterated the need to take the talks forward at a political/ministerial level.
The sub-committee consist of Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Y Patton (Deputy CM), Kaito Aye (Minister), CL John (Minister), Paiwang Konyak (Minister), Metsubo Jamir (Minister), Supongmeren Jamir, (MP (Lok Sabha), S. Phangnon Konyak (MP (Rajya Sabha), Achumbemo Kikon (MLA), Abu Metha (NPF Working President) and Rusemtong Longkumer (NPF Working President)
On merger of NDPP- NPF
Dr. Rio said that the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Naga Peoples Front on October 21, 2025 into a single political entity under the common “Cock" symbol marked a historic moment in its political journey.
“It has strengthened our organisation and served as a major morale booster for our people. This unification became possible when the NPF central executives passed a resolution requesting me to take over the party and merge both parties, guided by the larger interest of our people and not a soul complained about this move,” he said.
Dr. Rio acknowledged the tireless efforts put forth by Chingwang Konyak, Apong Pongener, Losii Dikho, Awangbow Newmai, NPF Manipur Unit and all the party members for making the merger possible.
Stating that this merger was not merely organisational, Dr. Rio said “It is a reaffirmation of our shared vision, unity, and collective resolve for the future of the Naga people.”
Congratulating Losii Dikho on his induction as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Dr. Rio said. “His elevation is a matter of pride not only for our party but for the Naga people as a whole.”
