Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to facilitating an early and honourable resolution of the long-pending Naga political issue, while also asserting that there would be zero tolerance towards extortion and criminal activities in the State.
In his concluding remark during the discussion in the House on Tuesday, Rio said the Naga political issue remained the foremost concern of the Government and the people.
Referring to the consultative meeting held on September 12 last year, he stated that a four-point resolution was adopted urging the Government of India to expedite the peace process. A delegation subsequently met Central leaders in New Delhi to impress upon them the urgency of the matter.
He recalled that the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017 had laid the groundwork for negotiations, and noted that while some groups had indicated that talks had concluded, the State Government continued to impress upon the Centre the need for an inclusive and acceptable settlement. He maintained that discussions were ongoing and emphasized that unity among stakeholders was essential to achieving a lasting solution.
Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority
On the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), the Chief Minister clarified that the Memorandum of Agreement incorporated constitutional safeguards under Article 371A and retained the Governor’s special responsibility. He said the proposed arrangement sought to address longstanding aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland without affecting the State’s unity and integrity.
An Interim Council, he informed, was part of the arrangement pending legislative approval, and the Bill would be brought before the House for deliberation.
Zero tolerance on extortion
Turning to law and order, Rio said concerns raised by members regarding extortion and related criminal activities had been noted. He categorically stated that there could be no tolerance for such acts at a time when the world was moving towards peace and development. The Government, he assured, remained firm in its resolve to curb unlawful activities and ensure a secure environment for growth and investment.
Agriculture and market reforms
Addressing agricultural concerns raised by members, Rio acknowledged persistent challenges in the marketing of farm produce. He informed the House that the Nagaland State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Board had been constituted to exclusively oversee the marketing of agri-products.
However, he admitted that the system required renewed attention and reform.
While Nagaland’s soil was fertile and farmers had the capacity to produce abundantly, he said the absence of adequate price protection and effective market linkages continued to limit their income potential. Strengthening these mechanisms, he said, was essential to ensure that farmers received fair returns and could pursue agriculture with confidence and comfort.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Education, rationalization and employment
On education, Rio explained that rationalization of teachers had become necessary due to demographic shifts, including negative population growth in certain districts. He said redeployment was aimed at addressing imbalances while ensuring compliance with Right to Education norms.
Touching on unemployment, he acknowledged the widening skill gap and emphasized the need to prepare youth for emerging sectors. Referring to the inauguration of an AI-focused school, he said Nagaland must align its education system with technological advancements. He also clarified that there was no backward quota in centrally administered premier institutions, cautioning against unrealistic expectations.
The Chief Minister further highlighted livelihood initiatives under the Viksit Bharat framework, including employment-oriented programmes aimed at generating work opportunities over a 125-day period beginning April 1.
Census and governance issues
On Census 2027, Rio said corrective measures would be taken to address past irregularities and ensure transparency. He emphasized the importance of accurate data for planning and equitable resource allocation.
He also raised concern over absenteeism of members and officials, stressing that governance required collective responsibility and seriousness from all stakeholders.
Infrastructure push
Regarding the Foothill Road project, the Chief Minister cited challenges related to land acquisition, compensation, and forest clearance. He informed that discussions had been held with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite progress, while acknowledging reluctance from certain landowners to part with land for the public project.
Call for unity
Concluding his reply, Rio urged all sections to work together in the interest of peace and development. He stressed that political stability, law and order, agricultural reform, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development must move in tandem if Nagaland was to progress meaningfully.
