Rio pledges unity, development and dignity on 79th I-Day

Nagaland joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 79th Independence Day with grandeur at the Civil Secretariat Plaza Kohima Friday, where chief minister Dr Neiphiu Rio unfurled the Tricolour, received the Rashtriya Salute from parade contingents, and inspected the march past.
Later Dr Rio addressed the gathering where he began by paying glowing tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs whose courage and sacrifice, he said, will inspire generations.
Rio on asserted that his government was working in line with the spirit enshrined in the Constitution to meet the democratic aspirations of the people. He said the occasion was a time to reflect on the strength, resilience and unique cultural heritage of the people. He stated that Nagaland, with its rich tapestry of culture and traditions, had always stood tall in its contribution to the spirit of the Indian nation—steadfast in its values, vibrant in its diversity, and strong in its resolve to move forward with peace and progress.
He also paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs, reaffirming commitment to unity, development and dignity for all.
Reaffirming that resolving the Naga political issue remained a top priority of his government, Rio He that his government had been acting as an active facilitator in the peace process, and stressed the need for collective efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Naga political issue, ensuring justice and dignity for the Naga people.
He also said that his government remained strongly committed to addressing the concerns and issues of the people of Eastern Nagaland, acknowledging the development deficit in the region. On the Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA) issue, Rio informed that substantial progress had been made, with the latest tripartite talks between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) held on July 23, 2025 in Delhi. He expressed optimism that the concerns of the ENPO would be addressed and the issue resolved in the spirit of brotherhood.
On the Indo-Myanmar border, Rio said the Centre’s decision to reduce the Free Movement Regime (FMR) from 16 km to 10 km and restrict movement to nine designated crossing points had caused hardship to border communities. The state government, he said, had urged the Centre to re-examine the revised guidelines with a flexible, context-sensitive approach.
On the eviction exercise in the DAB area along the Assam-Nagaland border, Rio said the joint drive by both state governments, involving district administration and police, aimed to ensure no unilateral action, maintain status quo and prevent influx of illegal migrants.
He informed that a significant milestone was achieved on January 1, 2025, with the complete digitisation of the ILP issuance process through the launch of the Online ILP Portal. From January 18 to June 30, 2025, a total of 26,534 ILPs were issued online across various categories. The state cabinet, on May 15, 2025, decided that village councils would maintain a separate register of ILP holders residing in villages, while strict ILP checking would be carried out by district administration and police at all designated points, including airports and railway stations. In August 6, he said the cabinet approved a new ILP category for various categories.
In his address, Rio also highlighted key achievements of the government.
Agriculture & horticulture: 30,500 ha under organic cultivation; Naga Organic brand; awards in organic industry; expansion of oil palm cultivation; ginger, Naga mircha and skill training; 6 collection centres.
Agri &Horti: Rio said agriculture continued to play a key role in the State’s economy. Under the Digital Agriculture Mission, a geo-portal and mobile app with smart farming features were launched. Under PM-KISAN, Rs. 686 crore was transferred to 2,33,282 farmers. The ‘Naga Organic’ brand under MOVCDNER now covers 30,500 hectares and 31,334 farmers. The Horticulture Department covered 2,620 hectares under MIDH, set up six collection centres, expanded ginger and Naga mircha cultivation, and provided skill training. Nagaland won the Trinity’s Best of India Award 2025 for its organic sector. Oil palm cultivation under NMEO-OP is progressing, while an Eri Silk project in four districts targets 870 beneficiaries with 310 acres under host plants.
In the fisheries sector, Rio said under PMMSY, 150 hectares of water bodies have been developed benefiting 1,400 farmers with current fish production at 11,158.9 MT. An integrated Aqua Park has been set up at Tzudikong, Mokokchung.
Under animal husbandry, 28 pig breeding farms have been established and 45 hectares of fodder developed under NLM. Twelve meat production units are targeted in 2025-26.
On irrigation, 270 surface minor irrigation schemes worth Rs. 206.85 crore covering 8,544 hectares are under implementation, and 44 water harvesting structures have been completed in seven districts.
Rio said Nagaland has emerged as a leading coffee producer in the NE and adopted “Coffee” as a USP. Under RKVY, 1.11 lakh soil samples were tested and 74,000 farmers benefited from micronutrient distribution.
On forestry, two externally aided projects—JICA-funded Forest Management Project and KfW-supported Forest & Biodiversity Management Project—are being implemented.
In cooperatives, data of 8,084 societies has been uploaded to the national database, while digitisation of 231 PACS is in progress.
In health, IMR has dropped from 18 (2014) to 4 (2020). Under PM-JAY, 98,761 treatments worth Rs. 182.98 crore and under CMHIS, 30,266 treatments worth Rs. 120.42 crore have been provided. A State Drugs Testing Laboratory has been set up in Kohima.
In education, science stream has been introduced in five GHSSs, 51 educational infrastructures inaugurated, and NTET will be conducted in Sept. Under PM-USHA, academic buildings at govt. colleges are under construction and four new model degree colleges approved. An AI lab has been set up at ICIT Mokokchung.
In labour, 6,709 construction workers registered for benefits. Nagaland Child & Adolescent Labour Rules, 2024 have been notified.
Under industries, Centre of Excellence in Industry 4.0 has been inaugurated; NTIIP notified; MoUs signed during Rising NE Investors Summit; and cultural troupes participated in international events.
Social welfare initiatives include One Stop Centres in six districts and distribution of 2,347 smartphones to Anganwadi workers. WRD provided livelihood and skill support to women and is constructing 15 working women hostels.
Police infrastructure has been upgraded with new SP offices and guest houses. Under Jal Jeevan Mission, 94% rural households have tap water connections.
In power, transformer capacity at Nagarjan substation has been upgraded; two small hydro projects commissioned; 5MW solar plant at Hovukhu completed. Road connectivity projects under NESIDS, PMGSY and other schemes are in progress.
Tourism recorded 2,05,968 visitors during Hornbill Festival 2024 generating Rs. 189.71 crore. Eco-tourism and heritage projects are being developed.
On sports, Nagaland hosted its first professional football league, sanctioned indoor stadiums and futsal grounds, and athletes bagged medals in national events.
He added that his government has accorded utmost importance to maintaining law and order in the State. The overall situation remains largely stable with no major disturbances reported across districts, made possible through the concerted efforts of the civil administration, State police and security forces. This, he said, was due to dedicated surveillance, timely intelligence gathering and proactive coordination with national security agencies. In its continued war on drugs, Nagaland Police recently seized 13 kg of heroin and 7 kg of brown sugar worth Rs. 81.50 crore.
Rio also highlighted progress in disaster management, taxation reforms, transport connectivity, and ongoing housing projects.
Highlights of the event included Folk dances and songs by Khiamniungan Cultural Club Kohima, Konyak Dancing Troupe Kohima, Pochury Cultural Troupe, Sangtam Women Cultural Troupe, Benreu Students Union Cultural Troupe, Kohima organised by the Art & Culture Department. Imna Yaden from 1ST NAP presented “Vande Mataram” and “We love Nagaland”.
NAP Rangers, Nagaland Police also demonstrated ‘hostage recovery demonstration (bus intervention scenario) and performance by 13 Assam Rifles Pipe Band.
The Nagaland motorcycle club distributed sweets at the parade ground commemorating the 79th Independence Day.
Earlier, the parade was led by parade commander dy. commandant 10th NAP, S. Lanu Aier and second-in-command asst. Commandant, 8th NAP, Cyber Crime PS PHQ, Mhalezhunuo Chielie.
Parade Contingents included 13th Assam Rifles Bn, 78th Bn. CRPF, 105 Bn. BSF, Mizoram Police DEF, Kohima, 4th NAP Bn, 10th NAP (IR) Bn, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn, Ex-Servicemen, Home Guards & Civil Defence& SDRF, 24th Nagaland Coy NCC Kohima and Nagaland Girls Battalion Kohima, 13 Assam Rifles Pipe Band, NPTS Brass Band, Nagaland Police 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Pipe Band and Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band.
15th (IR) MahilaBn, 13 AR and 10th (IR) Bn were awarded the first, second and third best parade contingents respectively in the uniformed service category while 1st Nagaland Girls Bn Kohima and the 24 Nagaland (1) Coy NCC Kohima were awarded the first and second in the school contingents category.
Awards were also announced for the Police Medal for meritorious service– Commissioner of Police Kevithuto Sophie and Commandant Aboli Metha.
Governor’s Gold Medals were awarded to Naik 2nd NAP Takonungba, athletic coach Khriezotuonuo Theunuo and Hito Kito of ‘The Nagaland Madrigal Singers’.