Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 4 (NPN): State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has called for greater unity and understanding among Nagas, stressing the need to preserve Naga identity, customary institutions and heritage while pursuing peace, development and modernisation.
Speaking at the general conference of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) at the Kohima Village multipurpose hall here on Friday, Rio highlighted the bravery and resilience of the Naga people and said their indigenous institutions, customary laws and heritage had long been recognised and protected.
He referred to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, under which the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system was introduced, and stressed the importance of preserving the traditions that distinguish the Nagas.
On the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the Government of India and Naga political groups, Rio observed that Nagas were recognised by others but often failed to recognise themselves.
He cautioned that the community could risk losing its identity if modernisation was pursued without adequate regard for traditional values. The chief minister called for greater unity among the different sections of Naga society, saying the preservation of identity and heritage required collective responsibility.
Referring to India’s democratic system, Rio said that although India was the world’s largest democracy, minorities did not always receive adequate justice. He observed that Christians, as a minority community, sometimes did not receive sufficient support and justice, and cautioned that while protection of minorities was necessary, it should be exercised responsibly and not misused.
Recalling the consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, involving Naga civil society organisations, tribal bodies and political groups, Rio said the meeting had adopted a resolution appreciating the negotiating parties and calling for the continued upholding of the ceasefire.
It had also appealed for renewed efforts towards strengthening unity and bringing all stakeholders into the peace process while restraining factionalism and the formation of breakaway groups.
Rio reiterated the state government’s demand for a highest political or ministerial-level interlocutor to elevate the Naga peace process. He said continued dialogue was necessary to arrive at an early solution to the Naga political issue.
Turning to the younger generation, Rio urged Naga youth to participate more actively in the local economy by acquiring skills, creating employment opportunities and pursuing self-employment, observing that government employment alone could not accommodate all young people.
He also underscored the importance of protecting indigenous identity and referred to issues concerning the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), the ILP system and Article 371A. He stressed the need for effective implementation of existing safeguards and greater responsibility among all stakeholders in protecting the interests of indigenous inhabitants.
He also highlighted the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority which the Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the revised FNTA Bill, 2026, on September 3.
The programme was chaired by APO president Thejao Vihienuo. The invocation was offered by ABCC president Rev. Zhabu Terhüja, while APO general secretary Keneilesa Neikha presented the APO report.
Former APO president Abi Yalie exhorted the gathering. Representatives of AWO, AYO, ASU, ASA and AGOK presented their respective activity reports.
APO secretary, women affairs, Shürhivinuo Nakhro delivered the vote of thanks, while Meguo-o Mechülho pronounced the benediction.