Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio says the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) issue is “almost resolved” after discussions with the central government.
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KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) issue is “almost resolved.”
Speaking on the sidelines of a programme, Rio informed that the recent meeting with central government leaders in New Delhi involved a full-length discussion with delegates from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the home secretary and joint secretary for the Northeast.
He added that during his next visit to Delhi, he is scheduled to have a one-on-one meeting with the Union home minister. “From the state side, we have already cleared our position, so now it is up to them to arrange and bring us the final,” he said.
On another note, the chief minister said that he has been entrusted to head the handloom and handicrafts sector in the Northeast region as convener.
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Other state chief ministers and the DoNER minister will serve as members. Rio said that he believed Nagaland was given the responsibility due to the “advancement and improvements” shown in the sector.
According to him, submissions and analysis from member states are expected by October. He highlighted plans to involve textile designers and experts, and to seek approval of tribal hohos and women organisations for proposed designs.
Rio also spoke about establishing yarn banks for quality control and price regulation. “People can buy yarns from the yarn bank, which will check not only quality but also price. This will help production at a commercial scale,” he said.
Other proposals include standardising designs, setting pricing mechanisms, and mapping markets to meet demand effectively.
Rio shared that discussions are ongoing and once submissions from all Northeast states are synchronised, a policy will be finalised with the ministry’s support.
The chief minister added that the aim is to ensure weavers earn better incomes, thereby encouraging more people to take up weaving as a sustainable livelihood.