Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio takes salute during 79th Independence Day in Kohima on August 15. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 15
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio today stressed on the need to work together for peaceful resolution to the Naga political issue.
“My government has been acting as active facilitators to the peace process and we all need to work together for a peaceful resolution to the Naga political issue, ensuring justice and dignity to our people,” Dr. Rio said in his address at 79th Independence Day at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima.
The Chief Minister said that resolving the Naga political issue remains a top priority of the state government.
The Naga peace process is ongoing and a symbol of hope for a lasting solution fulfilling aspiration of our people, Dr. Rio said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government remains strongly committed in addressing the concerns and issues of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
He said that substantial progress has been made on the issue of Frontier Nagaland Terittory (FNT) with the latest tripartite talks between the representatives of the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and ENPO being held on 23rd July 2025 in Delhi.
“I am optimistic that the concerns of the ENPO will be addressed and the issue resolved in the spirit of brotherhood,” he said.
Free movement regime
Dr. Rio said that Nagaland shares a 215 km International boundary with Myanmar, across which Nagas reside on both sides having close socio-cultural and economic ties.
“However, the recent decision of MHA to reduce the FMR from 16 to 10 km and restrict movement to only 9 designated crossing points has caused hardship and distress to border communities,” Dr. Rio said.
The state government has urged Government of India to re-examine the revised FMR guidelines with a flexible and context sensitive approach.
Dr. Rio recalled that the state cabinet on February 8, 2024, deliberated on the proposal of MHA for fencing the Indo-Myanmar border whereby the cabinet decided to request the central government to continue the FMR, enact appropriate regulations and lay down processes for movement of people inhabiting the border areas.
Further, Dr. Rio led the state delegation of ministers and met Union home minister on July 18, 20125.
Eviction exercise DAB area
Dr. Rio said that matter regarding the eviction exercise being carried out in the DAB area along the border has raised deep anxiety among various sections of the society.
The eviction drive is being jointly carried out by both the state governments of Assam and Nagaland.
“The joint action involving district administration and police from both the states, would ensure that no unilateral action is initiated, status quo is maintained and no influx of illegal migrant takes place, the Chief Minister said.
Law and order remains largely stable
The Chief Minister said that the state government has always paid utmost importance to maintenance of law and order in the state.
He said that overall law and order situation in the state remains largely stable and under control, with no major disturbances reported across districts made possible by the concerted efforts of the civil administration, state police and security forces.
“This in large measure has been due to the dedicated surveillance, timely intelligence gathering and proactive coordination with national security agencies by the state police,” Rio said.
