Stable Leadership, Stronger Nagaland

As a concerned citizen of Nagaland, particularly from the ENPO region, it is important to reflect on the long journey we have travelled from decades of confusion, neglect, and isolation to a time of stability, unity, and meaningful development. This transformation did not occur by coincidence or political theatrics. It became possible because of a visionary leader Hon’ble Chief Minister & NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio, whose statesmanship, maturity, and inclusive governance have steered Nagaland toward peace and progress.

For many years before 2004, the ENPO region was almost forgotten. Roads were practically nonexistent, administrative presence was limited, government schemes rarely reached remote villages, and our people had to cross dangerous terrain just to access basic services. Our region lived in the margins of the state, unheard and unseen.

The turning point came with the leadership of our visionary leader Hon’ble Chief minister & NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio. His introduction of DUDA for backward areas became a lifeline. It ensured that development schemes, welfare programs, and infrastructure projects finally reached even the most remote villages. Slowly but steadily, the long-standing developmental gaps began to close.

Today, even though certain projects such as the Mokokchung–Tuensang route (NH-155/202) remain under construction, the progress made over the last two decades is undeniable. We have moved from receiving “nothing” to receiving “something meaningful” a shift that speaks volumes about the sincerity, intention, and determination of the present leadership.

The creation of new districts such as Noklak and Shamator stands as another landmark achievement. These administrative expansions brought governance closer to the people, created new employment opportunities, strengthened local identity, and elevated the dignity of the ENPO communities. Such decisions require courage, vision, and long-term commitment—qualities Dr. Rio has consistently demonstrated.

One of the strongest hallmarks of Dr. Rio’s leadership is his unwavering commitment to peace. Nagaland is a state of diverse tribes, complex political aspirations, and sensitive realities. Maintaining harmony in such an environment is never easy. Yet, under his leadership, Nagaland has remained free from internal conflict, bloodshed, and political hostility. It is this stability that enables development to thrive. A state in turmoil cannot progress, but a state at peace can build, grow, and dream.

As a concerned citizen of Nagaland and a voice from the ENPO region, I must emphasise that the stability we enjoy today is invaluable. Without Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s continued leadership, our economic and developmental trajectory could face serious setbacks. Losing the momentum gained over two decades may push our region backward by 50 years. True development requires not only vision but the ability to draw resources and opportunities from the Centre to even the most remote corners something Hon’ble Chief Minister & NPF President Dr. Rio has done with sincerity and consistency.

This is precisely why we must encourage and support the leadership that has stood with us through challenging phases. Instead of internal conflicts and divisive politics, what Nagaland and especially our region needs today is unity, maturity, and collective responsibility.

However, a growing concern must be acknowledged. There are individuals who intentionally try to divide leadership, mislead the public, and disrupt unity for personal gain. They pose as champions of the people, but their actions directly undermine the progress our region has achieved. Dividing leadership does not weaken leaders alone it weakens the entire community. When unity fractures, development slows; when confusion grows, progress halts.

To such individuals, the public must speak with clarity and firmness: “Stop dividing the leadership. Stop misleading the people. We will not allow anyone to drag our region backward.”

The people of Nagaland, especially in the ENPO region, are wise and discerning. They remember who stood with them during years of neglect. They recognise the leadership that delivered roads, welfare schemes, recognition of our backward status, DUDA, and administrative expansion. No amount of misinformation can erase these realities.

This moment demands unity and forward movement. The infrastructure we use, the welfare schemes reaching our homes, the peaceful environment we enjoy—these are the outcomes of stable leadership. Weakening that stability will weaken our shared future.

As we approach the Hornbill Festival 2025, let us hope and pray that this year’s celebration becomes one of the most successful in Nagaland’s history. Let Eastern Nagaland, as always, extend full cooperation, warmth, and cultural richness. The Hornbill Festival is more than an event—it is a reflection of our collective identity, unity, and the cultural heartbeat of our people. With continued cooperation from Eastern Nagaland, this year’s festival can truly become a historic milestone.

As citizens, our decisions today will shape the future of our children. If we choose unity, wisdom, and gratitude, we secure a brighter future for the generations to come. If we allow division and confusion, we risk undoing decades of progress.

Let us recognise how far we have come and honour the leadership that brought us here. Let us reject voices of negativity and embrace the spirit of unity, peace, and development.

Above all, let us continue to appreciate, pray for, and support our visionary leader Hon’ble Chief Minister & NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio as he continues to guide Nagaland and the ENPO region toward greater prosperity, harmony, and progress.

Unity is our strength. Gratitude is our character. Leadership is our future.

Let us choose unity, wisdom, and progress—today and always.

Sungkhum Thonger Sangtam

Concerned Citizen of Nagaland (ENPO)