Maintaining that unsolved Naga political problem was an obstacle to developmental activities, industrial growth and education system in the state, Nagaland governor P.B. Acharya Wednesday asserted in order to move forward everyone should unite and solve the problem.
Governor was addressing a seminar on “Nagaland: A Way Forward”, organized by the headquarters Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) at Kenguruse Hall, Kohima Garrison Wednesday.
Pointing out that the Centre has signed cease-fire agreements with three NSCN groups, the governor, however, queried how could the problem be solved with so many of groups. He said though everyone wants a solution to the Naga political problem, no one could spell out what kind of solution they wanted even after almost 18 years of ceasefire agreements.
According to governor, the strong government at the Centre was willing to solve insurgency problems in the North Eastern Region including Naga political problem.
Commenting on the developmental front of the state, Acharya said there was a lack of initiative from all quarters of the state and emphasized the need for 3 Es — education, electricity and employment.
Governor opined that the state needed improved education system, sufficient electricity and self-employment for progress and prosperity.
Stating that there were tremendous scopes to open agriculture and horticulture based industries in the state, he encouraged the youths to inculcate the work culture for self employment.
Governor said Centre was giving utmost priority for the development of the north-east, adding that many policies for region’s development have been evolved some of which have been already implemented.
Speaking on the topic “conflict management in Nagaland – precursor to peace and stability”, CFMG/ CFSB chairman Lt. Gen. N.K. Singh said though overall situation in the state was still not peaceful/normal it was better than some decades back.
He said various hues of current conflict were created by the underground groups, which indulge in large scale extortion and illegal taxes, freely moving around not confining to designated camps, intimidating and harassing public, parallel administration of CAO/RAO urban /town command etc., disruption of economic and development activities, syndicate system, diversion of PDS, NREGA and others.
Singh suggested that state government, security forces and police need to challenge flawed bail and negligible punishments, improve prosecution against the erring officials including army officers, to send convicted UGs outside NE.
In his address, Nagaland University vice chancellor Prof. Bolin Kumar Konwar said Nagaland has a huge potential to develop into international business and trade hub.
He further said the state has high potential for agro-horticulture sector, animal husbandry, food processing, commercial ventures, cottage industry, medium and large industry, tourism etc.
Other speakers who spoke at the seminar included Nagaland law secretary KN Chishi and former chief secretary Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir. There was also open discussion with the speakers.
Public leaders, NGOs, government officials, Assam Rifles officers and others attended the daylong seminar.
Earlier, Maj. Gen. MM Naravane, IGAR (N) delivered welcome address. The seminar was organized to provide an intellectual forum to produce and foster a closer interaction amongst all the stakeholders towards evolving a partnership aimed at seeking “a way forward” for the state.
Friday, February 20, 2026