Nagaland Governor calls for better connectivity, regional cooperation

DIMAPUR, JUN 4 (NPN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Thursday called for stronger regional cooperation, better connectivity and greater investment in infrastructure, youth empowerment and sustainable development to drive growth across the Northeast.
Addressing the 73rd NEC Plenary Session in Shillong, Yadav reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive Northeast, stressing that regional collaboration was key to achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland.
Noting that over 70% of Nagaland’s population depends on agriculture and allied sectors, he urged strengthening value chains, certification systems and market access for organic products such as pineapple, cucumber, persimmon, Naga King Chilli, coffee and agarwood, while integrating modern technology with traditional farming.
On connectivity, he sought faster implementation of the proposed Ciethu airport, additional airstrips at Mokokchung, Tuensang and Mon, and progress on the Foothill Road and railway projects to unlock the state’s industrial, mineral and agricultural potential.
Highlighting the lack of premier educational institutions, Yadav called for establishing national and regional institutes in Nagaland and emphasised entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development.
He cited the state’s first Drone School and Centre of Excellence under the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission as a step toward creating new employment opportunities.
He noted that Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur ranked among the top 10 districts in the North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2.0, reflecting progress in governance and inclusive growth.
Seeking greater support for scientific mineral exploration and sustainable resource development, Yadav also reiterated Nagaland’s commitment to renewable energy through the Nagaland Solar Mission, which aims to meet 15% of the state’s energy needs via rooftop solar systems.
Describing sports, culture and tourism as key drivers of socio-economic growth, he highlighted initiatives such as the Hornbill Festival and community-based tourism programmes, while stressing the need for improved last-mile connectivity, eco-sensitive infrastructure and digital promotion.
Yadav also advocated a stronger NEC with enhanced powers, increased funding and equitable resource allocation among the eight Northeastern states to bridge development gaps and accelerate regional progress.
Reaffirming Nagaland’s commitment to working closely with the NEC and DoNER Ministry, he reiterated the state’s guiding principle of “Peace for Development and Development for Peace” and its vision of a peaceful, progressive and self-reliant Nagaland by 2047.