Kohima, November 5: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed its “satisfaction and appreciation over the notable progress Nagaland has achieved under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, as reflected in the NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023–24, where three districts of the State rank among the top ten performing districts in the country”.
The NPF said this achievement underscores the state government’s consistent commitment to inclusive growth, balanced regional development, and people-centric governance. “It also demonstrates effective planning and coordination in improving key sectors such as education, healthcare, gender equality, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability”, the NPF added.
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The NPF then recalled that Chief Minister Rio, during his address at the 7th Meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on August 7, 2022, had put forward a series of visionary proposals to accelerate Nagaland’s development trajectory. These included six power projects such as the Tizu Valley Hydro-Electric Project, solar PV grids at Sub-Zhadima, a 132 kV transmission system along the Foothill Road, smart-meter installations in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Kohima, and last-mile rural electrification to ensure power connectivity across the State.
According to the NPF, Rio had also highlighted challenges unique to Nagaland, such as the traditional land-holding system that complicates digital agricultural reforms, and requested special consideration for small revenue-deficit states. His proposals for an A320-capable airport to boost economic integration and model degree colleges in remote areas like Wakching and Mangkolemba reflected a forward-looking vision of connectivity and inclusive education, it added.
Such foresight and planning are now bearing fruit, as evidenced by the State’s improved standing in the latest SDG Index, the NPF also said.
The party further recalled that a certain television channel had earlier, using outdated data from 2021–22, “exaggeratedly portrayed Nagaland as one of the lowest-performing states and carried sensational personal captions such as ‘Is Neiphiu Rio the worst CM?’, a report both misleading and irresponsible”.
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While the NPF said it “upholds” press freedom, responsible journalism requires accuracy, fairness, and balance. Sensational reporting not only undermines media credibility but also distorts public understanding. The party views such narratives as biased, counterproductive, and detrimental to healthy public discourse, it added.
The NPF then said that, with the recent merger and the overwhelming support of the people, “Nagaland stands united on the path of development and political stability”. It added by saying, “Together, we shall march towards lasting peace, progress, and prosperity for all”.
(Newmai News Network)