KOHIMA: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to an early Naga political solution, made a fresh appeal to the ‘Naga political groups’, the Government of India, and all stakeholders to “appreciate the pressing urgency” to reach a final settlement without further delay.
Rio said this while addressing the gathering during the 63rd Nagaland Statehood Day which was celebrated with grandeur at Secretariat Plaza, Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima today.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving an honourable and inclusive settlement to the Naga political issue. He said the efforts of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), comprising ministers, advisors, representatives of all political parties and Members of Parliament, which met on September 1, 2025 and unanimously endorsed the Ungma Statement of August 23, 2025.
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Rio then emphasised the PAC’s call for all ‘Naga political groups’ (NPGs), backed by ‘tribal hohos’, to converge on a common platform and pursue a shared political vision. He also recalled the broad-based consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024 where stakeholders appealed to the Government of India to elevate the peace dialogue to the highest political level.
While reaffirming his government’s commitment to Eastern Nagaland and acknowledging developmental gaps, the Chief Minister stated that the government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland, particularly their demand for an arrangement under the Frontier Nagaland Territory Area (FNTA). Following tripartite talks in September 2025 involving the Government of India, the State Government and Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), and subsequent departmental consultations, the Chief Minister said the State is hopeful for an early and mutually acceptable resolution.
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Rio then stated that the 26th Hornbill Festival 2025 will open with the largest ever “international participation”, adding that the festival will welcome six “partner countries” including Austria, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom along with Arunachal Pradesh as the “state partner”. He also announced that each partner nation will take part in dedicated roundtable sessions to explore cooperation in investment, culture, arts, agriculture, sports, education, and the creative economy.
Also highlighting Youth-Centric Development and Sports Achievements, the Chief Minister reiterated that youth development remains at the core of the government policies. In this regard, Rio announced that 31 indoor stadiums and 28 futsal grounds have been sanctioned and Rs 23 lakh per assembly constituency has been earmarked as a “District Sports Fund” starting from 2025–26. He mentioned that the State has made remarkable progress in sports as the State prepares to host the Asian Women’s Sepak Takraw Championship 2026 and has recently hosted the 69th National School Games Taekwondo Championship.