Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio graced the General Conference of the Public Organisation (APO), held at the Kohima Village Multipurpose Hall on September 4.
He highlighted the bravery and resilience of the Naga people, Rio said Naga indigenous institutions, customary laws and heritage had long been recognised and protected. Referring to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, under which the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system was introduced, he stressed the importance of preserving the traditions and customary laws that distinguish the Nagas.
He also highlighted on the ceasefire negotiations between the Government of India and Naga political groups, Rio observed that Nagas were recognised by others but often failed to recognise themselves. He cautioned that the community could risk losing its identity if modernisation was pursued without adequate regard for traditional values.
He called for greater unity and understanding among different sections of Naga society, stressing that protecting Naga identity and heritage was a collective responsibility.
Rio also said that although India was the world’s largest democracy, minorities did not always receive adequate justice. Referring to Christians as a minority community, he observed that they sometimes did not receive sufficient support and justice. He said the influence of the majority made protection of minorities necessary, but cautioned that such protection should be exercised responsibly and not misused.
Recalling the consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, involving Naga civil society organisations, tribal bodies and political groups, Rio said the gathering had adopted a resolution appreciating the negotiating parties for their contributions to the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue.
He said The gathering also further appealed to political groups and national workers to restrain factionalism, the formation of breakaway groups and the creation of new organisations, while making renewed efforts towards the unity of Naga society.
Rio reiterated the State Government’s demand for a high-level political or ministerial-level interlocutor to help elevate the Naga peace process. He said the demand had received support from organisations in the state and maintained that continued dialogue was necessary to arrive at an early solution to the Naga political issue.
Rio reiterated that the safeguards provided under Article 371(A) would neither be amended nor diluted. He said the proposed arrangement was intended to promote decentralised governance and address the social, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic aspirations of the region.
The Chief Minister said his government had been working towards an early resolution of the Naga political issue while acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved. He stressed that continued discussions and consultations were necessary in the larger interest of the welfare and development of the Naga people.
Turning to the younger generation, Rio urged Naga youths to participate more actively in the local economy by acquiring skills, creating employment opportunities and pursuing self-employment. He observed that government employment alone could not accommodate all young people and called for greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities.
Rio also underscored the importance of protecting indigenous identity, referring to the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), the ILP system and Article 371(A) and Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
The programme was chaired by APO president Thejao Vihienuo. The invocation was offered by ABCC president Rev. Zhabu Terhüja, while APO general secretary Keneilesa Neikha presented the APO report.
Former APO president Abi Yalie exhorted the gathering, while representatives of AWO, AYO, ASU, ASA and AGOK presented their respective activity reports.
APO secretary, women affairs, Shürhivinuo Nakhro delivered the vote of thanks, while Meguo-o Mechülho pronounced the benediction.
