Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio graced the 8th Eastern Naga Student Federation (ENSF) Cultural Fiesta Cum General Conference on the theme 'Deliverance through Ethnicity Concord' held at Parade Ground, Tuensang on 15th April 2025 as Chief Guest.
Dr. Rio speaking on the occasion thanked the ENSF for inviting him in the General session. Rio highlighted that Government of India has declared Right to Education for all the ages and Nagaland is in the process of providing quality education which can enable the students to complete with other. He asserted that Eastern Part of Nagaland is called Backward because Eastern areas were left unadministered by the British. Only in the year 1957 it established it’s headquarter at Tuensang as Naga Hills Tuensang Area. While in the mainland of Nagaland, Christianity came early followed by Education this is why the Eastern Naga areas started very late in education, he added.
The CM also asserted that there is so much to be done in the field of Education, Health Care, improvement in Roads, communication and infrastructure development in the Eastern Part of Nagaland and his Government is committed in doing everything in their part for upliftmnet of the Eastern Nagaland. The CM strongly urged every Hohos, tribal leaders and national workers to unite and formed a strong bond between them for successful conclusion of Peace Talk. Rio also acknowledged that his Government is strongly opposing to the restriction of Free Movement at the bordering Area inhabited by the Nagas. He urged the Students’ Communities, Administration and Police to be very careful in issuing the Inner Line Permit and Indigenous Certificate to the illegal migrate. Asserting that Nagas are very lucky because the British have passed an Act to safeguard the unique Cultural and Customary law of Nagas, which we follow till now, Rio urged the students community to protect and uphold the rich historical, cultural and tradition of the people in the days to come.
Other highlights of the day were invocation by Rev. Imtiba Sangtam Executive Secretary, USBLA; welcome address by President ENSF, Chingmak Chang; short speech from Minister for Housing and Mechanical, P. Bashangmongba Chang and President ENPO, A. Chingmak Chang. Solidarity speech was delivered by President NSF, Medovi Rhi and Tradigraphy by CWS.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister of Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye; Advisor Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi; Advisor Minority Affairs and Sericulture, Imkongmar; Advisor Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards and Relief and Rehabilitation Department, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger; Advisor IT, Communication, Economic and Statistics and Evaluation, Sethrongkyu; MLA, Lina Onen Chang; MLA, Imtichoba Chang; MLA, Benei M Lamthiu and host of dignitaries.
Later the Chief Minister declared the Cultural Feast and inaugurated the Cultural Exhibition & Tribal Stalls.
In the evening session, Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha graced the Folk Fusion Night as Special Guest.
(Chingmak, IA Tuensang)
