Rio graces 8th ENSF cultural fiesta cum general conference
State chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Tuesday reiterated that his government was committed to doing everything in its part for upliftment of the Eastern Nagaland.
The chief minister said this while speaking at the 8th Eastern Naga Student Federation (ENSF) Cultural Fiesta Cum General Conference held at Parade Ground, Tuensang on April 15, 2025.
The chief minister admitted that there was 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.
He asserted that eastern part of Nagaland was called backward because Eastern areas were left unadministered by the British.
Only in 1957, Rio said the British established its headquarters at Tuensang as Naga Hills Tuensang Area. While in the mainland Nagaland, he said Christianity came early followed by education, but Eastern Naga areas started very late in education.
He said Nagas were very lucky because the British passed an Act to safeguard the unique Cultural and Customary law of Nagas, which was followed till now. In this regard, Rio urged the student community to protect and uphold the rich historical, cultural and tradition.
Stating that Government of India declared Right to Education for all the ages, the chief minister said Nagaland was in the process of providing quality education which could enable the students to complete with other.
On the occasion, the chief minister also stated his government strongly opposed the scrapping of free movement regime along the bordering area inhabited by the Nagas. He urged the administration to be very careful in issuing the Inner Line Permit and indigenous certificate to the illegal migrants.
The chief minister also urged the Hohos, tribal leaders and national workers to unite and form a strong bond between them for successful conclusion of Naga peace talk.
Dr. Rio thanked the ENSF for inviting him to the general session.
Later, the chief minister declared the cultural feast and inaugurated the cultural exhibition & tribal stalls. Earlier, USBLA executive secretary Rev. Imtiba Sangtam offered invocation; ENSF president Chingmak Chang delivered welcome address; short speech from minister for housing and mechanical, P. Bashangmongba Chang and ENPO president, A. Chingmak Chang. Solidarity speech was delivered by NSF president, Medovi Rhi and Tradigraphy by CWS.
The chief minister was accompanied by minister of power & parliamentary affairs, KG 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; Lina Onen Chang, MLA; Imtichoba Chang, MLA; Benei M Lamthiu, MLA, and a host of dignitaries.
In the evening session, advisor to chief minister and IDAN chairman, Abu Metha graced the folk fusion night as special guest.