Rio bats for common ‘Pan-Naga’ platform

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Sunday asserted the need to work towards a common “Pan-Naga” platform to provide a collective voice for the Naga people, while attending Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival of Naga tribes in Manipur.
Addressing the state-level celebration held at Ukhrul district headquarters under the theme “Cultural Renaissance,” Rio said true unity did not mean uniformity but recognising a shared destiny despite differences. He stressed that a common Pan-Naga platform was essential to strengthen the collective political voice of the Naga people.
The festival was organised by the State Level Organising Committee under the aegis of the United Naga Council and hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long. Rio graced the opening event as chief guest, while Manipur deputy chief minister Losii Dikho attended as guest of honour. Rio also unveiled the Lui-Ngai-Ni 2026 Monolith.
Rio also reiterated the aspiration for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella, recalling that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed six resolutions between 1964 and 2018 in support of the demand.
On the Naga political issue, Rio reiterated that it remained a political matter requiring dialogue at the highest level. He said talks should be held at the highest/minister level, referring to the 2015 Framework Agreement and the 2017 Agreed Position. Although a final settlement was yet to be reached, he said the process remained alive, mentioning the consultative meeting of September 12, 2024, where 61 Naga organisations and 226 individuals endorsed resolutions reflecting the collective aspiration of the people.
He said that decades after earlier accords, a lasting solution was still awaited, but unity among the people remained crucial. Expressing happiness at being part of the celebration, Rio said gatherings like Lui-Ngai-Ni promoted unity and peace among the Naga family.
As seeds were blessed during the festival, he urged the gathering to sow seeds of unity, wisdom and responsibility, and to build bridges among communities. He said Lui-Ngai-Ni was not just a festival to observe, but a moment to reaffirm identity, remember forefathers, renew bonds and pray for abundance in the fields.
Referring to the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Naga People’s Front on October 21, 2025, under the common Cock symbol, he termed it a historic moment in the political journey of the Naga people. He also congratulated NPF legislator Losii Dikho on his induction as deputy chief minister of Manipur.
In his address, Dikho urged the Naga tribes to continue advocating for peace in the state and to bridge gaps between communities for peaceful coexistence.
Delivering the presidential address, UNC president Ng Lorho said Lui-Ngai-Ni, the sacred seed-sowing festival of the Nagas in Manipur, was observed annually on February 15 and marked the commencement of the agricultural cycle, invoking divine blessings for abundance and prosperity.
NPF secretary general and MLA, Achumbemo Kikon also exhorted the gathering. Welcome address was delivered by SLOC convenor Wango Kohring Victor and introduction & presentation by UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang.
The inaugural function was also attended by MLAs Awangbou Newmai, Ramnganing Muivah, J. Kumo Sha, Khashim Vashum and Leishiyo Keishing, among others.
Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long president Kashung Tennyson blessed and distributed seeds to presidents of 21 Naga tribes at the beginning of the event.