Kohima – Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated the state’s dedication to achieving administrative integration for Naga-inhabited regions, underscoring the critical importance of unity and solidarity among legislators across party lines.
Speaking during the 60th session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio highlighted six key resolutions advocating for Naga integration, the most recent of which was passed in 2018.
“The issue of Naga integration, deeply rooted in the political fabric of our state since the 16-point agreement of 1963, remains central to our purpose and identity as a people,” Rio stated.
He noted that since 1964, each Assembly session has revisited the Naga integration issue, reflecting the assembly’s commitment to its enduring relevance and need for a peaceful resolution.
Rio commended the bipartisan approach taken by legislators, emphasizing the importance of the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum on the Naga Political Issue, which has worked as a significant mediator in peace talks. “The formation of Nagaland as a state and this assembly itself is intertwined with the Naga political movement,” he remarked.
Rio also pointed out the House’s unique status as an opposition-free assembly for two consecutive terms since 2018, allowing all legislators to present a united front on the Naga political cause.
Since 1997, the Indian government has been in talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), and since 2017, with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs). A framework agreement with the NSCN-IM was signed in 2015, followed by a position agreement with WC NNPGs in 2017. However, the demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution has stalled final resolution efforts.
While the WC NNPGs have agreed to accept partial resolutions, intending to continue negotiations for remaining issues, a comprehensive solution has yet to be achieved. As peace talks continue, CM Rio reaffirmed the commitment of Nagaland’s leadership to pursue integration and unity for the Naga people, reinforcing the state’s advocacy for an inclusive and enduring resolution to the Naga political issue.
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