DIMAPUR, OCT 10 (NPN): The Nagaland State Cabinet has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government and appreciated his commitment to inclusive development and transforming India into a developed nation.
According to a press statement issued by the Home department, the Cabinet, at its meeting on October 10, adopted a resolution expressing appreciation for Modi’s leadership and his vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, aimed at building a developed, prosperous and self-reliant India.
The Cabinet highlighted initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, which it said had promoted cleanliness and sanitation as a people’s movement, and Digital India, which had expanded digital infrastructure, UPI payments, digital identity and paperless service delivery, strengthening financial inclusion.
It also appreciated the Scheme for Special Assistance for Capital Investment (SASCI), which provides long-term interest-free loans to states to accelerate capital expenditure and infrastructure development.
The Cabinet further acknowledged the Prime Minister’s focus on the Northeast through the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), aimed at addressing development gaps in connectivity, healthcare, education and livelihood generation.
Naga political issue, FNTA: The Cabinet appreciated the Centre’s continued support in addressing the longstanding Naga political issue.
It cited the 2015 Framework Agreement with the NSCN (I-M) and the 2017 Agreed Position with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups as important milestones towards a negotiated and peaceful settlement.
The recent appointment of Ajit Lal as the Government of India’s interlocutor for peace talks with the NSCN and the decision to constitute a state talk team led by a minister or group of ministers were described as indications of a continued effort to achieve an early, honourable and mutually acceptable solution.
On Eastern Nagaland, the Cabinet highlighted the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 5, 2026, by the Centre, state government and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the constitution of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
It noted that the FNTA Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 1 and unanimously passed on September 3.
The Cabinet also referred to the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 11, 2026, by the governments of India, Assam and Nagaland to facilitate oil and natural gas exploration and production in the Disputed Area Belt along the Nagaland-Assam border. The agreement is expected to encourage investment, employment, revenue generation and economic development.
Key projects, future proposals: The Cabinet expressed appreciation for the Centre’s support in implementing key projects in Nagaland, including the state’s first medical college, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kohima; commissioning of the second railway station at Shokhuvi after a gap of more than 100 years and the ongoing railway extension to Zubza; and four-laning of the Dimapur-Kohima National Highway.
It also appreciated the Centre’s support for proposals being pursued by the state government, with the Ministry of Home Affairs coordinating with various central ministries.
These include the Foothill Road project, envisaged as an economic corridor; an airport at Ciethu, Kohima, and four short landing strips at Ciethu, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang; establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and a greenfield AIIMS at Nagaki city in the Chathe valley of Chümoukedima district, for which the state has allotted 260 acres and 200 acres respectively; and a modern incubation facility at Nagaki city to promote economic activity and opportunities for youth.
Other proposed projects include development of the Tizu-Zungki waterways and three hydropower projects: the 42 MW Lower Tizu, 24 MW Zungki and 24 MW Tizu Valley hydroelectric projects.
Cabinet seeks lifting of PAP regime: The Cabinet said central support and the ongoing peace process had contributed to peace, stability and tranquility in Nagaland over the years. It noted that tourism had grown significantly and emerged as an important pillar of the state’s economy, providing livelihood and employment, particularly for youth.
However, it said the reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in December 2024 had adversely affected tourism and investment in the state.
The state government had repeatedly requested the Centre to lift the PAP regime, while the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution appealing for its withdrawal and restoration of the earlier relaxation.
The Cabinet expressed hope that the Centre would consider the request positively and lift the PAP regime from Nagaland at the earliest.
Sunday, October 11, 2026