Kohima, August 16: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to finding a swift, honorable, and acceptable resolution to the long-standing Naga political issue. Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, he emphasized the need to strengthen law and order and tackle the growing threats of drug abuse and trafficking.
Rio noted that the people of Nagaland still hope for a prompt resolution to this issue. He mentioned a comprehensive consultation meeting held on September 12, 2024, which included representatives from tribal bodies, civil society, grassroots organizations, church bodies, NGOs, student organizations, political parties, and other stakeholders.
The Chief Minister welcomed the recently formed committee led by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs to facilitate the Naga peace talks. He stated that the central government responded to the demands of the people and civil society to elevate the dialogue and peace process to the ministerial level. Rio reiterated that the state government will continue to play an active facilitative role in the peace process to achieve a long-awaited, honorable, and acceptable solution.
Regarding Eastern Nagaland, Rio expressed the state government’s commitment to ensuring equitable and inclusive development across all regions. He acknowledged the historical disparities in development faced by Eastern Nagaland and fully supported the demand for the ‘Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority’ (FNTA).
He referred to the memorandum of understanding signed on February 5, 2026, between the Government of India, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization regarding the formation of the FNTA, calling it a historic milestone. He congratulated the people of Eastern Nagaland and assured them of the state government’s complete cooperation and ongoing support for the swift establishment and operation of the FNTA.
On law and order, the Chief Minister noted that the situation in Nagaland remains largely peaceful, reflecting the commitment of district administration, police, and security forces. However, he condemned the recent IED blast targeting a vehicle carrying Assam Rifles personnel in Chumoukedima district, which resulted in one soldier’s death and four others being seriously injured. Rio described the attack as cowardly and reprehensible, stating that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation.
He also highlighted the state police’s ongoing efforts against crime and drugs, reporting over 407 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the arrest of 677 individuals between January 2024 and May 2026.
Additionally, Rio mentioned that the Nagaland police’s mobility and operational capacity are being enhanced through the procurement of 550 new vehicles under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ police modernization assistance.
The Chief Minister announced the virtual inauguration of 16 new sports infrastructure projects by the Youth Resources and Sports Department, which include 11 multipurpose indoor halls, four futsal fields, a district youth resources and sports officer’s office, and a residential quarter in Peren.
Lastly, Rio expressed deep concern over the unprecedented and continuous monsoon rains in Nagaland, which have caused widespread landslides and flash floods in several districts. He reported that these natural disasters have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, particularly affecting Mon district, along with significant damage to homes, properties, and public infrastructure.
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