Nagaland joined the rest of the Country is celebrating 76th Independence Day with zeal and valour.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hoisted the National Flag at the state level celebration of 77th Independence Day at Naga Civil Secretariat Plaza Kohima.

Addressing the citizens of the state, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon all the Naga political groups and all other stakeholders, and the Government of India, to exhibit an even greater sense of urgency for bringing consensus on any unresolved issue, and for the sake of our people, bring about an inclusive, honourable and acceptable Solution without any further.

Rio reiterated that his government remain deeply committed to the early solution of the Naga Political issue and has always been at the top of his government’s agenda.

He reassured the citizens that his government is making every possible effort to this cause.

“The Political Affairs Committee constituted with the entire Cabinet and elected members from those tribes who are not in the Cabinet will continue to hold serious consultations with all the stakeholders for early Solution,” said Rio.

Rio also mentioned that, hopes have further soared with the signing of the joint accordant in September last year between the NSCN (IM) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGS) through the efforts of FNR, for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India. Whereas, in January of this year he said, “both the entities have reiterated their unconditional commitment to collaborate for the resolution of the Naga Political Issue with the Government of India.”

Speaking on Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation demand for a separate statehood, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the GoI is looking into the grievances of the Eastern region.

Mentioning that all efforts are being made to reach out to every section and region to understand their aspirations, however he said that despite the government best efforts, the developmental deficit that had existed right from the beginning, still persists in some areas, particularly in the eastern districts of Nagaland.

Rio, assured the people that the government have been supporting the desire of the eastern districts to bridge the development deficit to bring them at par with the rest of the State, particularly in matters of infrastructure development, health and education facilities, livelihood opportunities and due representation in government service.

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Significantly, Rio also raised its concern over the situation in Manipur and said, “I also can’t help but talk about the very disturbing situation that prevails in our neighbouring State of Manipur. The ethnic conflict in Manipur affected us as we had to immediately relocate our students and citizens from there in the interest of their safety and well being in the first week of May 2023. Officials and staff from administration, the NST, and the Nagaland Police, with assistance from the Assam Rifles, did a commendable job in safely bringing back more than 1300 people of our State from Manipur. Everyone involved in this entire exercise deserves our fullest appreciation.”

He said the state remain deeply concerned of the human atrocities committed and of large scale vandalization and arson of places of worship, particularly churches, in Manipur.

“We pray for good sense, peace and harmony to return, and fervently appeal to all the communities and groups in Manipur to give peace a chance and take urgent steps to resolve their differences amicably,” added Rio.

On Urban Local Body elections (ULB), Rio informed that the state is now in the process of taking steps for making a new Act in consultation with all stakeholders and solicited the cooperation and guidance of every stakeholder in this regard.

With regard to the contentious issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Rio maintained that the state government keeping in view the sentiments of the people, the State Cabinet has urged the Law Commission to exempt Nagaland from the purview of UCC in view of its serious implications on the privileges guaranteed under Article 371A.

He informed that during the Council of Ministers meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on UCC, the Home Minister has given his assurance that UCC would not be applicable to the Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland and of the North East.