CM Rio urges unity and early Naga political settlement on Statehood Day, highlights FNTA talks and expanded Hornbill partnerships.
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KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday called on the people to work together towards a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future, as the state marked its 63rd Statehood Day at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, Rio urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to Nagaland’s progress. He said the state’s journey since Statehood had been marked by “courage, perseverance and foresight,” enabling Nagas to overcome challenges and achieve collective milestones.
“We celebrate our achievements but remain conscious that much still remains to be done for our people,” he said.
On the Naga political issue, Rio said the state government remained mindful that a final settlement had continued to elude the people. He said the government had been “unwaveringly pursuing” an early resolution.
The Political Affairs Committee—comprising ministers, advisors, representatives of all political parties and Members of Parliament—was constituted to review major issues related to the Naga political process. Rio said the committee, in its meeting on September 15, unanimously endorsed the Ungma Statement of August 23, which emphasises unity and a shared political future for the Naga people.
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The committee urged all Naga political groups, with the collective support of tribal organisations, to converge on a common ground to articulate a shared political vision based on the historical and political rights of the Naga people. It also resolved that peace talks should resume at the political level to expedite negotiations.
Appealing to all Naga political groups, the government of India and all stakeholders, Rio said there was a “pressing urgency” to arrive at an honourable, inclusive and acceptable settlement without further delay.
FNTA discussions ongoing
Rio acknowledged that eastern Nagaland had not reached the same levels of development as other regions. He said the government was committed to addressing their aspirations as expressed through the demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Area (FNTA).
He cited recent tripartite talks between representatives of the Centre, the state government and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), followed by joint meetings between ENPO and state officials, and discussions between ENLU and ENPO. With the state government having submitted its comments on the draft Memorandum of Settlement (III) for FNTA to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said the government was hopeful of an early resolution of all outstanding issues.
Largest group of Hornbill partner countries
Rio said the Hornbill Festival, which has become one of the state’s defining events, continues to showcase the resilience and cultural strength of the Naga people.
This year’s edition will feature six partner countries—Austria, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom—along with Arunachal Pradesh as state partner. Rio said this was the highest number of international cultural partners the festival had ever hosted.
Each partner country will participate in round-table sessions exploring cooperation in areas such as investment, culture, creative industries, agriculture, sports and education.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for relaxing the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime during the festival and urged the Centre to lift the PAP restrictions permanently to support tourism and economic growth.