Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stresses importance of Naga unity in overcoming challenges

Neiphiu Rio speaking on the second day of Moatsü Mini Hornbill Festival in Mokokchung.

• MOKOKCHUNG — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday underscored the importance of unity in order to facilitate collective action towards overcoming the challenges facing the state.
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• He shared this message on the second day of Moatsü Mini Hornbill Festival, hosted by Ao Senden at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung, which culminated in a grand civic reception honouring the chief minister.
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• Amidst vibrant celebrations marking the end of the sowing season for the Ao community, Rio reflected on the ancestral traditions embodied by the festival.
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• He noted that Moatsü, like other similar festivals, provides an opportunity to seek divine blessings for protection and prosperity following the hard work of the sowing season.
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• “The songs, dances, and traditional attire displayed here make every Naga proud," Rio stated, underlining the importance of safeguarding these invaluable practices, even within the context of the Christian faith prevalent in the region.

Also read: Former chief minister Jamir calls for Naga political reflection

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• "We must continue to protect our rich cultural heritage," he urged, highlighting the festival's vital role in renewing friendships, promoting forgiveness, and strengthening the bonds that unite the Naga people.
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• The chief minister expressed hope that other tribes would embrace similar expressions of brotherhood and unity, fostering a unified Naga family during such significant celebrations.
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• Humbly acknowledging the honorary doctorate recently conferred upon him by Northeast Christian University, Rio credited the people of Nagaland for providing him with the opportunity to serve. "I will continue to serve our people to the best of my ability with their support and God’s blessings," he pledged.
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• Reflecting on Naga history, he highlighted the British colonisers' recognition of the Naga community's unique customs. He noted that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 and the subsequent introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) were designed to protect Naga governance and land rights.
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• These protections, enshrined under Article 371(A), remain essential, Rio maintained, and he urged the state government, the public, civil society organisations, and tribal leaders to champion Naga history, identity, and customary laws.
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• "We are unique, and this consciousness is growing," Rio affirmed.
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• Also, he emphasised the critical role of customary courts led by Gaon Buras (GBs) and Dobashis (DBs) in providing swift and cost-effective dispute resolution, thereby complementing the modern judicial systems currently in place.
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• The chief minister emphasised the need to address internal divisions and the proliferation of organisations within the state. "There are many issues in the state and many divisions in the state, both underground and overground, with too many organisations," Rio stated, highlighting concerns about the impact of multiple leaderships imposing taxes and creating instability.
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• He underscored the importance of utilising democratic platforms appropriately for expressing opinions.
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• On the Indo-Naga issue, Rio urged all Naga leaders and groups to unite for the "greater good of the people." He stressed that "unity is the need of the hour" and underlined the critical need to find common ground.
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• "We have a future that needs to be saved," he declared, warning that the lack of collaboration would hinder the progress of existing agreements and dialogues. "Without coming together, the Framework Agreement, the Agreed Position, and ongoing dialogues cannot be concretised," he cautioned.
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• Rio also addressed the challenges surrounding the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the international border. He noted that the central government has reduced the FMR limit, restricting crossings to specific reasons and a duration of seven days.
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  Cultural troupe performing on the second day of Moatsü Mini Hornbill Festival in Mokokchung

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• He further mentioned that the Assam Rifles has been empowered for border control in the eastern region of the state. The chief minister also expressed concerns about the economic repercussions of reinstating the Protected Area Permit (PAP), which has negatively impacted tourism and discouraged investment.
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• He revealed that he had raised these issues at the North Eastern Council meeting in Agartala in December 2023 and that the state Cabinet had requested a review from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, with a meeting expected soon.
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• In positive news for Mokokchung, Rio announced the approval for upgrades to the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. The renovations will include a new rostrum, gallery, floodlights, and additional facilities, promising a significant boost to local infrastructure and sporting opportunities.