Nagaland chief minister and NDPP leader Dr. Neiphiu Rio lauded the party’s achievements over the past eight years, attributing its success to divine grace, dedicated grassroots workers, and the unity of party members.
Addressing the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leaders at its 5th General Convention, held at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on Friday, Rio acknowledged the role of the BJP alliance in strengthening NDPP’s position. However, he admitted that the 2024 Lok Sabha election result came as an unexpected setback.
He termed the Lok Sabha loss not as a political defeat but an ideological one, calling it a costly lesson for the party and the people. Rio described the opposition-less government, consisting of MLAs from different parties, as a rare political scenario.
He emphasized the responsibility of regional parties in safeguarding the people’s interests, stating that the absence of a regional voice in Parliament was a significant concern. Learning from past complacency, he vowed to ensure the party remains vigilant to avoid repeating mistakes.
Despite challenges, Rio highlighted the successful implementation of women’s reservation in the 2024 Urban Local Body (ULB) elections after 21 years of struggle.
Supported by tribal organizations and the public, this milestone saw 153 candidates emerge victorious out of 278, with women securing 33% of the reserved seats and an additional 37% in the general category. He credited grassroots workers and public support for this achievement.
Rio underscored the importance of regional parties in preserving Nagaland’s identity, traditions, and history. While acknowledging political ups and downs, he reaffirmed confidence in the NDPP’s ideology, strengthened by public support and divine guidance.
He also acknowledged the constitutional protections provided to the Nagas by Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, which safeguarded their customs, traditions, and practices. He praised the role of traditional institutions like the goanburas and dobashis in preserving Naga identity, stressing strengthening customary courts to uphold indigenous laws, ensure timely justice, and maintain harmony and peace.
Noting that all Naga tribes had documented their customary laws in a comprehensive book, he claimed that traditional institutions handled and resolved cases in such a manner that even the Supreme Court and high courts would have found difficult. He said upgrading the apex customary courts would help avoid delays and reduce the financial burden of pursuing cases in other judicial forums.
He appealed for unity and harmony among all factions, both underground and overground, to address the Naga political issue. He expressed optimism about new plans and initiatives to be introduced in the coming days, urging everyone to come together and work collectively toward a resolution.
Calling for environmental conservation, Rio urged party leaders to promote forest preservation in their constituencies. He also addressed power supply issues, revealing that the state spends nearly Rs. 600 crore on power purchases while incurring losses due to non-payment of bills and power theft. Up to February 13, 2025, revenue losses amounted to Rs. 257.08 crore. He appealed to citizens to take responsibility by preventing power theft and paying bills promptly.
Rio encouraged leaders to ensure government schemes like the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative reach grassroots levels. He emphasized self-sufficiency and the need for hard work to sustain economic growth.
In his presidential address, Chingwang Konyak reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development and asserted that NDPP stands for unity and progress, distancing itself from divisive politics.
Chingwang, who has been re-elected as the president for the third time, also highlighted how the party had significantly expanded its regional presence, now boasting 168,401 primary members and 83,591 active members.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his leadership, which he credited for strengthening the NDPP as the most dynamic political force in Nagaland.
One of the party’s major achievements, Konyak noted, was the successful conduct of Municipal and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections after two decades. For the first time, 33% of seats were reserved for women, marking a historic step in women’s empowerment and governance.
The election results reflected a strong endorsement of the NDPP’s leadership, with the party securing 152 out of 260 seats across Municipal and Town Councils. While elections could not be conducted in 15 Town Councils across six districts under the ENPO areas, he stated that public support for the NDPP’s governance remains evident.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced during the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the NDPP fielded Dr. Chumben Murry as its candidate. He attributed the electoral setback to the spread of misinformation and propaganda aimed at creating religious and ethnic divisions.
Condemning the use of religion for political gain, he stressed that faith is a personal matter and should not be exploited in politics. Chingwang also emphasized that the foremost concern of the people of Nagaland is the urgent resolution of the Naga political issue.
He urged leaders of various Naga Political Groups (NPGs) not to waste any more time in reaching a settlement with the Government of India. “As long as the political stalemate continues, lasting peace in Nagaland will remain elusive,” he asserted.
He, therefore, appealed to the leaders of the NPGs to unite with a common voice and work towards a final settlement without further delay. Deputy CM, Planning and Transformation, National Highway, T.R. Zeliang, spoke on the state’s economy, flagship programs, and welfare schemes. He noted that Nagaland’s agrarian economy could benefit from the growing global demand for organic food. With abundant produce such as oranges, pineapples, kiwis, and betel nut, the state has significant export potential.
He highlighted Nagaland’s tourism potential, citing its rich cultural heritage, festivals, and scenic landscapes. The internationally recognized Hornbill Festival, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism could generate employment and stimulate the economy.
However, Zeliang pointed out that Nagaland relies heavily on central funds due to limited internal revenue. He urged diversification of the economy, including tapping into crude oil, iron ore, coal, and limestone resources to achieve financial self-reliance.
Discussing flagship programs, he mentioned schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Despite these efforts, Nagaland’s per capita income remains at Rs. 1.45 lakh, far behind Sikkim’s Rs. 5.87 lakh. He stressed the need to double this within the next five to six years.
Zeliang acknowledged improvements in road connectivity, with 12 national highways covering 1,578.38 km in the state. While progress is visible, land acquisition issues have slowed highway construction. He called for necessary amendments to the Nagaland Land Requisition and Acquisition Act, 1965, to expedite infrastructure projects.
Minister for Roads and Bridges, G. Kaito Aye, addressed the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of resolving the Naga political issue. He noted that decades of conflict had severely impacted the state’s economy, development, and opportunities for youth. He assured that the NDPP remains committed to amplifying Naga voices in discussions with the central government.
Aye called on Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to find common ground, warning that internal divisions weaken their collective position. He reiterated that peace and unity are prerequisites for progress and development.
He reaffirmed NDPP’s role in facilitating a resolution to the Naga issue, highlighting the Framework Agreement with NSCN-IM (2015) and the Agreed Position with NNPGs (2017) as the basis for ongoing discussions.
Minister for Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, spoke on agricultural sector, warning that urban migration threatens food production. He lamented that unions and associations often obstruct development initiatives and urged the government to focus on economic progress.
Metsubo stressed the need to instill work ethics among youth and introduce agricultural practices in education. He called for a “Nagaland Wage Act” to balance wages among daily laborers and requested the Chief Minister to implement a “Livestock and Crop Insurance Scheme.”
Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Village Guard, C.L. John, highlighted environmental concerns, stating that Nagaland is 73% forested but lacks wildlife due to rampant hunting. He called for a complete hunting ban and increased conservation efforts.
He noted that over 1,000 villages are not under forest conservation programs, leading to ecological imbalances. Urging collective efforts, he emphasized the need to prioritize environmental protection and climate action.
Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister, KG Kenye, addressed the state’s energy challenges, stating that inadequate power generation hinders industrial growth and economic progress. He revealed that Nagaland spends Rs. 400-500 crore annually on purchasing power, which could be redirected to development if local generation improves.
Kenye asserted that Nagaland has the potential to generate 2,500 MW from hydroelectric sources. However, misinterpretations of Article 371(A) have obstructed development. He urged the public to support power projects and allow the government to implement necessary changes.
NDPP secretary general Abu Metha, delivered the welcome speech and delivered the secretary general’s report. The party also congratulated chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on receiving an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from North East Christian University, which he dedicated to the people of Nagaland and party workers.
The program concluded with the acknowledgment of the newly elected NDPP office bearers, setting the stage for the party’s future endeavors.
Office bearers: The newly elected officer bearers include Chingwang Konyak as the party president, Secretary General: Abu Metha, Working Presidents– N. Bendang Jamir, H. Chuba Chang and Ahovi Zhimomi; Treasurer: Dr. John Murry, Senior Vice Presidents– Charlie Sekhose, Rusemtong Longkumer and Dr. Chumben Murry.
President Central Women Organization Vikali A. Zhimomi, working president: Dziesekhonuo, general secretary: Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung and Treasurer: Maipo Walim.
Central Youth Organization president: Imchatoba Imchen, working president: Lhouvi Punyu, general secretaries: Mixishe Zhimo and Merithung Odyuo and Treasurer: Sedevikho Angami.
Vice president and spokesperson Merentoshi R. Jamir chaired the event. Highlights of the event included musical performances by Sentiein Kichu, Metisanen Lemtur, Seyievinuo Chuzho, Azi Rudy, and Kedo.