CM Neiphiu Rio: Christianity and Education Have Empowered Naga Youths

KOHIMA: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said that, with the advent of Christianity and education, Naga youths are talented and well educated today, working not only in India but also around the world in large numbers. 

The Nagaland chief minister said this while interacting with the visiting media delegation from Gujarat at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima  today. 

Altogether, 15 distinguished media persons from different media houses and two PIB officials from Gujarat are on a 4-day visit to Nagaland from January 19 to January 22, 2026. 

During the interaction, Rio highlighted the various aspects of Nagaland, ranging from history, struggles, economy, social issues and the special provisions enshrined in the Indian constitution for the State of Nagaland. 

Rio elaborated about the issue of investors not coming in and the lack of factories and industries in Nagaland, as the state is safeguarded by constitutional provisions in Art. 371(A) of the Indian constitution which states— “Land and its resources belongs to the people.” Thus, outsiders are not allowed to own land in Nagaland except on a lease-out basis for a certain period of years for any investment or establishment in Nagaland.

Rio then said that, with the advent of Christianity and education, Naga youths are talented and well educated today, working not only in India but also around the world in large numbers. “Our natural resources cannot be exploited due to special status given in the constitution yet our human resources can be fully utilised”, he asserted. 

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He also mentioned the JICA project being sponsored by the government of Japan and the good relationship the state had with the Japanese people in recent years. 

The primary objective of their visit is to showcase the various development activities taking place in Nagaland and highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the state. 

The tour programme is being organised by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.