Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday emphasized that unity as the way forward for the future of Nagas. “Unity, not fragmentation, will determine the future of Naga people,” he said while addressing the 70th General Conference of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) at Chungtia village.
During his address, Rio touched upon Naga political issue, constitutional safeguards, Inner Line Permit (ILP), indigenous identity, education reforms, economic sustainability, government employment generation, reservation policy revision, and the need for collective unity.
Placing the Naga political issue at the centre of his address, Dr Rio stated unequivocally that the issue does not belong to any single organization, political group, or negotiating table, but to the Naga people as a whole. He reminded the audience that the roots of the political struggle predate India’s independence, tracing back to the early encounters between the Nagas and the British in the 19th century. He recalled that Nagas resisted colonial forces village by village for decades before any formal peace understanding was reached, underscoring that the political consciousness of the Nagas was forged through resistance, self-governance, and a strong sense of identity. According to him, this historical reality must guide present-day political thinking, especially among the youth, who will inherit the responsibility of safeguarding the outcome of any political settlement.
The Chief Minister stressed that the unresolved nature of the political issue continues to affect governance, development, and public confidence. He cautioned against the tendency to oversimplify the issue or to treat it as a matter that can be resolved through rhetoric alone. Instead, he emphasized that political maturity, patience, and unity are essential if the Nagas are to arrive at a solution that is honourable, inclusive, and sustainable. He warned that without unity, even the strongest political position weakens, and without collective ownership, any agreement risks rejection or instability.
A major portion of Dr. Rio’s address focused on unity as a political necessity, not merely a moral ideal. He expressed concern over the fragmentation visible across Naga society between organizations, generations, political ideologies, and even within communities. Drawing a parallel with a divided family, he stated that no society can stand firm when internal divisions override collective interests. He observed that while Nagas often speak about unity, their actions frequently reflect individualism, clanism, and tribalism, which ultimately erode the larger goal of Naga unity. According to him, unity must be practiced consciously, even when disagreements exist, through dialogue, mutual respect, and collective decision-making.
In this context, Dr. Rio referred to the consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, convened by the Nagaland Government, which brought together 61 organizations, including tribal hohos, civil society groups, student bodies, women’s organizations, churches, youth groups, and senior citizens. He described the meeting as a rare and significant moment of collective convergence, achieved through extensive effort and dialogue. He highlighted that among the resolutions adopted, one of the most crucial was the appeal to the Government of India to elevate the peace process by appointing an interlocutor at a political or ministerial level with clear authority and mandate. He expressed disappointment that despite such collective resolutions, individual organizations often issue independent statements or pursue parallel narratives, thereby weakening the unified voice achieved through consultation.
Addressing the political environment within the state, Dr. Rio explained the rationale behind Nagaland’s opposition-less government, clarifying that it was neither a permanent political arrangement nor an attempt to undermine democratic principles. Instead, he described it as a temporary and situational response aimed at maintaining political stability during a sensitive phase of the peace process. He stated that once the Naga political issue reaches a logical conclusion, the state would naturally move toward a more conventional democratic structure, allowing for healthy political competition and stronger institutional accountability.
Turning to constitutional matters, the Chief Minister underscored the significance of Article 371(A), describing it as the constitutional backbone that safeguards Naga identity, customary laws, social practices, religious institutions, and ownership of land and natural resources. He warned that constitutional protections can be weakened not only through legal challenges but also through ignorance and complacency. He urged students and civil society members to understand the spirit and provisions of Article 371(A), emphasizing that future generations must be equipped to defend these rights through informed engagement rather than emotional reaction.
Closely linked to this, Dr. Rio elaborated on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, explaining that it was one of the earliest legal recognitions of the distinct social and political character of the hill tribes. He noted that the regulation restricted the entry of outsiders into tribal areas and laid the foundation for present-day protective mechanisms such as the Inner Line Permit. According to him, the BEFR was not imposed arbitrarily but emerged from the colonial administration’s recognition that tribal societies required protection from exploitation and demographic imbalance. He cautioned that weakening these historical safeguards would have long-term consequences for indigenous identity and land security.
On the issue of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), Dr. Rio spoke at length about its relevance in contemporary Nagaland. He clarified that ILP is not intended to harass Indian citizens or create hostility but is a regulatory mechanism designed to protect indigenous people from unchecked migration, economic marginalization, and cultural erosion. He acknowledged that enforcement of ILP, particularly in areas like Dimapur, has been challenging due to historical administrative lapses and demographic complexities. However, he assured that the government is committed to strengthening ILP implementation with the cooperation of village councils, civil society, and responsible citizens.
He explained that under the current system, village councils play a critical role in verification and regulation, especially for non-Nagas residing or working in rural areas. Contractors, landlords, and employers, he said, must take responsibility for maintaining records and reporting details to the appropriate authorities. He also clarified that non-Nagas who settled in Nagaland before the cut-off year of 1963 may be eligible for permanent residency but not indigenous status, stressing that indigenous identity cannot be diluted without serious consequences. Referring to ongoing legal challenges related to indigenous certification, he cautioned that the issue has reached critical stages in the courts and must be handled with care, legality, and collective responsibility.
Dr. Rio also touched upon the Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), describing it as a necessary step to establish clarity, accountability, and protection. He reiterated that RIIN places responsibility not only on the government but on village councils and communities themselves, making indigenous protection a collective duty rather than a bureaucratic exercise.
Shifting focus to education and employment, the Chief Minister acknowledged that Nagaland has achieved a high literacy rate, with the records holds Ao community as among the most literate in the state. However, he cautioned that literacy alone is insufficient if knowledge does not translate into action, skill, and productivity. He pointed out that 92% of educated Naga youth lack technical and vocational skills, which places them at a disadvantage in an increasingly competitive, merit-driven environment. According to him, education must evolve beyond textbook learning and examination performance to include specialization, innovation, and practical competence.
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On government employment, Dr. Rio made a candid assessment, stating that government jobs have reached a saturation point. He informed that while the government is planning to conduct regular recruitment exercises and estimates that over 2,000 vacancies may arise annually across departments, these opportunities alone cannot absorb the growing number of educated youth. He cautioned against unrealistic expectations of mass government employment and stressed the need for diversification into economic activities beyond the public sector.
He stated that the government is assessing the creation of posts based on actual administrative needs, focusing on rationalisation rather than indiscriminate expansion. Strengthening essential services such as education, health, and frontline administration remains a priority, but he warned that creating posts without financial sustainability would burden future generations and weaken governance. Instead, he advocated for skill development, entrepreneurship, and self-employment as sustainable alternatives.
Addressing the issue of reservation policy revision, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio acknowledged that the existing framework requires a careful and objective review in light of changing demographic realities and the upcoming census. He stated that the policy, which was formulated in a different historical and socio-economic context, must be reassessed to ensure that it continues to serve the principle of equity and justice for all communities.
Emphasizing that the subject is sensitive and complex, Dr. Rio cautioned against emotional or confrontational approaches, warning that such attitudes could deepen divisions and disturb social harmony. He maintained that any revision must be guided by data, reason, and collective wisdom, rather than pressure or populist narratives. The Chief Minister further noted that the government is examining the issue with the intention of ensuring maximum justice, balancing historical disadvantages with present realities, and urged all stakeholders to engage in mature dialogue so that the process strengthens social cohesion rather than undermining it.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Rio reflected on Naga history, culture, and identity, stating that Nagaland’s recognition as a land of festivals and a destination for cultural and eco-tourism is rooted in its rich traditions, customary laws, and artistic heritage. He reminded the audience that while modernization is inevitable, it must not erode ancestral values. Instead, he called for a balanced approach where progress and tradition coexist.
Reiterating his central message, the Chief Minister stated that Nagas are protected by history, law, and constitutional provisions, but protection alone is not enough. Without unity, he said, rights weaken, voices fade, and justice becomes elusive. He urged students and civil society to rise above narrow interests and work collectively, reminding them that unity is not merely desirable, it is the only way forward.
