Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calls for pan-Naga unity and early settlement of the Naga political issue at Ukhrul.
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KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday pitched for pan-Naga unity and an early, honourable settlement of the long-pending Naga political issue.
Rio was addressing the Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration at Ukhrul headquarters ground in Manipur. The festival was organised by United Naga Council (UNC) and hosted by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL).
Extending Lui-Ngai-Ni greetings, Rio said that the occasion was not merely a festival but a reaffirmation of Naga identity and heritage.
Conveying the prayers and goodwill of the people of Nagaland, he described the celebration as an opportunity to honour the rich cultural legacy of the Naga community.
Emphasising unity, Rio said that before growth begins there must be reflection; before progress, unity; and before abundance, faith.
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Stating that Naga festivals are expressions of thanksgiving and lessons in life, he shared that the strength of a people lies not merely in physical courage but in character, discipline and spirit.
As the people pray for a good harvest, he added, they must also pray for peace in every home, harmony in every community and respect within the extended Naga family.
Referring to the theme ‘Cultural Renaissance,’ Rio said that a renaissance is not a return to the past nor a rejection of the present, but a rebirth where ancient wisdom guides modern aspirations.
Naga dances, folk songs, indigenous games, rituals and symbols, he said, are living expressions of Naga worldview and values.
Describing elders as the living libraries of the people, women as the pillars of home and culture, and youth as those who hold the plough for the next sowing, Rio urged the younger generation to embrace their heritage as the foundation of strength and creativity.
He maintained that true unity does not mean uniformity or silencing diversity, but recognising a shared destiny and walking together with mutual respect and understanding.
Though Nagas may be physically divided by administrative boundaries, he said, they remain emotionally integrated as one family.
Stressing that emotional integration and socio-cultural cohesion are the true foundations of Naga strength, Rio said that geography may define administrative arrangements but cannot diminish ties of kinship, culture and faith.
In this regard, he underlined the need to work towards a pan-Naga platform to provide a collective voice.
NDPP–NPF merger
Referring to the merger of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and Naga People's Front (NPF) on October 21, 2025, under the common Cock symbol, Rio termed it a historic moment in the political journey of the Naga people.
He asserted that the unification strengthened the organisation and boosted morale, adding that it was undertaken in the larger interest of the people.
Acknowledging the efforts of party leaders, including Chingwang Konyak, Apong Pongener, Losu Dikho, Awangbow Newmai, the NPF Manipur unit and party workers, Rio said that the merger was not merely organisational but a reaffirmation of shared vision, unity and collective resolve.
He also congratulated Losu Dikho on his induction as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, describing it as a matter of pride for both the party and the Naga people.
Naga political issue
On the Naga political issue, Rio reiterated the aspiration for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella.
He recalled that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed six resolutions between 1964 and 2018 supporting the demand, reflecting the voice and sentiment of the people.
He further pointed out that a consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, attended by 61 organisations with 226 signatories, had appealed to the government of India for an early, honourable and inclusive resolution through political-level dialogue.
Stating that so many years have elapsed since the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015 and the Agreed Position in 2017, Rio informed that on February 5, 2026, a Political Affairs Committee sub-committee met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reiterate the need to take the talks forward at the political or ministerial level.
Rio also expressed gratitude to the organisers and hosts, and prayed that the festival would further strengthen unity, wisdom and enduring peace among the Naga people.
The occasion witnessed the participation of legislators from Nagaland and Manipur, government officials, party leaders and civil society organisations representing various Naga tribes.