The Nagaland government is waiting for an update from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a proposed meeting with an all-party delegation to discuss the Naga Political Issue and concerns over the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said on Saturday.
Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a programme here, the chief minister said he had suggested in the assembly recently that an all-party delegation meet Shah to apprise him about the contentious issues.
Rio said that he had a meeting with Shah during the recent North Eastern Council meeting in Guwahati, during which the union home minister had told him that “he would find a suitable time and call us. So we are waiting for that”.
Asked if the government would meet the Naga political groups, Rio said “We have been meeting and putting our side of the story since they have signed the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position.
The government had inked the Framework Agreement with NSCN (I-M) in 2015 and the Agreed Position pact with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) two years later. They must be awaiting the outcome of the agreements they signed, the chief minister said.
Rio expressed optimism that a solution for the Naga Political Issue would be found, which would be inclusive and acceptable to all. Refusing to comment on the recent division between the Working Committee of NNPGs with the impeachment of its convenor Kitovi Zhimomi, Rio said further division among the Nagas should not be the idea.
He recalled that in the past, the government’s policy was “equi-distance” with the Naga groups, but now the strategy of “equi-closeness” has been adopted.
“We said we should talk to everyone and adopted a policy of equal closeness…. That is a positive approach we’re giving but they are the negotiating party, it’s up to them,” said Rio.
CM inaugurates Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): State chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, inaugurated the Konyak Heritage Complex at Leangha village, Mon on April 5, 2025 coinciding with Konyak Aoleang Monyu 2025.
The complex was inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister of State for Education & Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar.
Konyak Heritage Complex is a development initiative by the state government, aimed at empowering community growth. It features traditional morungs, modern sports facilities, and vibrant spaces where art, creativity, and talents can be nurtured and celebrated.
The heritage complex houses traditional ‘morungs’ (houses) representing the nine assembly constituencies of Mon district. It also includes an amphitheatre, a museum showcasing Konyak artefacts, and a multi-purpose hall.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Rio thanked all the civil society groups, district administration headed by deputy commissioner (DC) Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma and Leangha village for their cooperation in the success of completion of the complex.
The chief minister said North Eastern Council (NEC) through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) provided Rs 24 crore for the heritage site. H said the state government also contributed to certain projects within the complex including the road construction that could not be covered by the initial fund allocation.
The chief minister announced that the complex would be handed to DUDA as a government agency. He requested the people to protect, preserve, promote and properly maintain the complex.
Dr. Rio also pledged to construct a women working hostel and Konyak Union Office at the Konyak Heritage Complex Site. In his address, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar said that he was happy to be part of the programme, witnessing the beautiful tradition and culture of the Konyak tribe. He iterated that Nagaland was truly the land of festivals with celebrations throughout the year.
The union minister said that Konyak, one of the largest and the most prominent tribes in Nagaland, was blessed with rich culture and tradition. Dr. Majumdar said the festival was not only about celebrating tradition but also to recognise the significant contribution it makes to the nation’s cultural diversity along with promoting the rich legacy of the Konyak.
Report on Konyak Heritage Complex was presented by W. Chingang Konyak, Advisor, Geology & Mining, DUDA. Loungai Wangnao, Convenor, Konyak Heritage Complex Management Board, gave a brief history and significance of Konyak Heritage Complex.
Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Village Guards, C L John, was the chief host.
Earlier, special guest Dr. Rio unveiled the Monolith. The programme began with the Konyak traditional welcome ceremony and ceremonial opening of Konyak Aoleang Monyu by Yanglem, Angh, Leangha.
It was followed by banging of gong by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, beating of logdrum by Ukha Paan Nahalan, firing of muzzle loading gun and beating of log drum in all the nine Morungs. Later, Dr. Rio, Dr. Majumdar, and CL John and all the invitees inspected all the nine Morungs, the Angh House and the complex site.
There were special performances from Pongchao Cultural Troupe, Arunachal Pradesh and Tai Ahom Cultural Troupe, Assam, and cultural troupes from Leangha Village, Changnyu Village and Wakching Village. There was also a special presentation from Shipshi Ungwung Khong, KNSK Aboi.
The welcome address was delivered by KU president, Tingtok Konyak and vote of thanks by Y. Chingwang Wangsa, Convenor, Konyak Aoleang Committee.
The programme was chaired by Kaiwang Konyak, ARO, art & cultural department while Bangkai Konyak and M. Ngapya Konyak chaired cultural events which saw participation from several cultural troupes including Changnyu Village, Jaboka Union Tizit Town, Longchang Village, Mon Village, Chi Union Mon Town, Leangha Village, Wakching Village, Monyakshu Village, Wayen Vilage, Mon Town and Wangti Village.