Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio giving the closing remarks at the discussion on Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address at the 8th session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 2. (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 3
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today reiterated that the State Government has maintained the role of a facilitator on the Naga Political Issue to bring an early and honourable solution.
Dr Rio said this in his closing remarks at the discussion on Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, which was later adopted today at the 8th session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in Kohima.
The state government, is not a party to talk. Our role has always been that of a facilitator with the objective of creating a positive and enabling environment to strengthen the negotiation process and expedite a just and honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political conflict, he said.
He said that the state government has constituted a Political Affairs Committee, consisting of all the ministers, elected members representing all the tribes, representative of political parties and the members of parliament from the state, for facilitating and efforts being made to arrive at an early solution. He said that Political Affairs Committee, will continue to have consultation with the Naga groups and also the civil societies.
On the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), he stated that the Government remains guided by the basic principles laid down in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and looks forward to the continued cooperation and active participation of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation in taking the process forward.
He was appreciative of the Government of India and the Eastern Naga people for moving in unison with the State Government with full understanding and for reaching consensus on all the matters and for signing this agreement. This agreement, is also a testament to my Government’s continual and steadfast commitment to ensure equitable and inclusive development in the Eastern Nagaland and reach out to all the sections, communities and regions in the State, he said.
We are now actively working on constituting the Interim Council for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority in consultation with ENPO and the tribal hosts of the Eastern Nagaland. We are also moving for bringing a bill in the Assembly for FNTA incorporating the provision of MOA and also keeping in mind our agreed basic principles. We will also be consulting the MHA in regards to the bill and it is our desire that within this 8th session of the 14th House we can present the bill and pass the Act, Dr Rio said. “This is our desire. I hope all concerned will do their duty so that we will pass this bill, the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the importance of the upcoming Census 2027, Dr Rio called for full cooperation from elected representatives, village councils, tribal bodies, and civil society organizations to ensure accurate and transparent data collection.
He pointed out that reliable census data is critical for policy planning, fund allocation, and development initiatives. He said that a detailed briefing session for all Members has been scheduled for March 11, 2026, to address concerns and clarify procedures. Addressing concerns in the education sector, he admitted that teacher rationalization challenges had emerged due to demographic shifts and discrepancies in past census data.
This, he said, resulted in certain schools having low or even zero enrollment while others faced shortages. The department has been directed to review anomalies and implement corrective measures.
The Chief Minister further stressed the urgent need to bridge the gap between education and employability by encouraging institutions to introduce emerging and market-relevant courses such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and forensic sciences, while also strengthening skill-based training and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth.
On extortion and law and order, he asserted that the Government will maintain zero tolerance towards criminal activities and continue firm measures to safeguard peace and security. Regarding the rationalisation and redeployment of teachers, he said the issue is under detailed examination, explaining that demographic shifts and declining student enrolment in certain areas have necessitated measures to ensure utilisation of teaching personnel.
Acknowledging challenges in the marketing of agricultural produce, Rio noted that the Government is exploring ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms to provide farmers with improved market access and price support.
On unemployment, he highlighted ongoing skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and employability, stressing the importance of promoting vocational and technical skills aligned with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology.
On incidents of racial discrimination against people from the Northeast, Dr. Rio strongly condemned such acts, stating that they are unacceptable and contrary to India’s spirit of unity in diversity. He assured the House that the state government would continue to raise such issues at appropriate forums to ensure the safety and dignity of its citizens.
With regard to the Foothill Road project, he said that discussions have been held with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, though issues related to land acquisition and forest clearance remains a challenge. He appealed to landowners and stakeholders to extend their cooperation to facilitate progress on the project.
