Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on 15th August 2026, reaffirmed the Nagaland Government’s commitment to facilitating an early, honourable and acceptable solution to the longstanding Naga Political Issue, while highlighting steps taken to strengthen law and order and combat the growing threat of drugs.
On Naga political issue, Rio said the people of Nagaland continue to yearn for an early solution. He recalled the broad based Consultative Meeting held on September 12, 2024, which brought together tribal hohos, civil society representatives, mass based organisations, church bodies, NGOs, student bodies, political parties and other stakeholders. Welcoming the recent constitution of a committee under the chairmanship of the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India, to lead the Naga peace talks, Rio expressed gratitude to the Centre for responding to the request of the people and civil society for elevating the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the ministerial level. He reaffirmed that the State Government would continue to play the role of an active facilitator in the peace process towards the realisation of the long cherished aspiration for an early, honourable and acceptable solution.
On Eastern Nagaland, Dr. Rio said the State Government remained committed to ensuring equitable and inclusive development across all regions of the State. Acknowledging the historical developmental disadvantages faced by Eastern Nagaland, he said the State Government had wholeheartedly supported the regions aspiration for an arrangement in the form of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). He highlighted the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on February 5, 2026, between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation for the constitution of the FNTA within Nagaland. Describing the agreement as a historic milestone, Rio congratulated the people of Eastern Nagaland and assured them of the State Government’s fullest cooperation and continued support for the early constitution and operationalisation of the FNTA.
On law and order, the Chief Minister said the situation in Nagaland remained largely peaceful, reflecting the dedication of the district administration, police and security forces. He, however, condemned the IED blast in Chümoukedima district targeting a vehicle carrying Assam Rifles personnel, in which one personnel was killed and four others sustained grievous injuries. Rio termed the attack cowardly and condemnable and added that the investigation into the incident has been taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Highlighting the State Police’s continued efforts against crime and drugs, Rio said more than 407 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had been registered across the State between January 2024 and May 2026, with 677 accused persons arrested. He said the Government was also strengthening the mobility and operational capacity of the Nagaland Police through the acquisition of 550 new vehicles under Police Modernisation assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
