Unresolved Naga pol issue blocking development: CM

State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Thursday reiterated that unresolved Naga political issue was obstructing development in the state, saying “Our own conflicts are blocking our development.”
The chief minister said this while speaking at the inauguration programme of Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (AGOK) multi-utility centre at AGOK Badze, Meriema, here.
Stressing the need for unity, the chief minister said “Unless we come together, there will be no solution. We must work as ‘Team Nagaland’—not just factions, but all Nagas collectively.”
He said that achieving a solution required not just political groups but also public cooperation, officers, and elders. The chief minister, who recently attended investment summit in Delhi, said he identified the biggest obstacle for investors in Nagaland was unresolved ownership disputes over petroleum, minerals, and natural gas.
On pending legal issues, Dr. Rio said that companies cannot invest without legal clarity, despite the potential in mining and geology. He recalled that when ownership decisions were made, ONGC and Oil India did not consult the state government. However, the chief minister assured that the issue would be discussed in detail. Referencing to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, Dr. Rio highlighted Nagaland’s risks of falling behind without proactive measures. He, however, assured that the state government was working on it.
Commenting on the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Nagaland, Dr. Rio traced its origins to the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, which protects Naga culture. “Not everyone will be happy with this, but we must follow the rules,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of Residence of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) system and placed the responsibility on village councils and administrative officers with verifying indigenous status. He warned that defaulting village authorities could face criminal penalties. Acknowledging long-term non-Naga residents, he affirmed, “The law has come, and we must follow it.” Dr. Rio clarified that while the Nagas were protected, the four tribes—Kuki, Garo, Mikir, and Kachari—have separate considerations. He expressed hope that they would respect government regulations. He also urged local homeowners to verify tenants’ ILP validity, saying strict enforcement would bring order.
The chief minister disclosed that detailed discussions with stakeholders was underway to establish a proper system.
On the occasion, the chief minister thanked the AGOK members for their vision and good work in serving the people. “Let this be a blessing for the whole of Nagaland,” he said.
Reminding that living in the capital was already a great blessing, Rio, therefore, urged the people to also strive to be a blessing to other tribes.
The chief minister underscored that when a person succeeds in life, the entire community benefits. He said that just as AGOK was a pride of the community—directly or indirectly helping many—they should continue being a blessing to others.
Rio urged AGOK to serve as think-tank of the community and give guidance to the leaders when necessary. He also welcomed collaborating between AGOK and APO for the betterment of the society.
Taking note of many people in Naga society depending on government jobs for livelihood, the chief minister, however, said that with the establishment of NPSC and later NSSB, people have realized the stiff competition required to secure such jobs. In this regard, he encouraged AGOK to guide people accordingly specially in giving and taking competitive exams.
He also criticized the trend of government employees drawing salaries without working describing it as “discouraging and unacceptable.” Rio stressed the need to explore opportunities beyond government employment.
The chief minister highlighted growing public awareness about entrepreneurship and life skills as alternative livelihoods. He, therefore, encouraged people to apply for the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) and other financial assistance programmes to start their own ventures.
He also highlighted that sports and music as viable career paths.
The chief minister also cautioned against living beyond one’s means and stressed the importance of better financial management.
Earlier, AGOK Badze convenor Er. Kezhazelhou Theunuo, highlighted the report of the building.
Former president of AGOK Kevisiezolie Suohu (1994–1996), thanked the landowners for providing their land.
APO president Thejao Vihienuo said that formation of AGOK was a blessing for APO and the community. He also highlighted the concern over job reservation for the backward tribe and illegal immigrants, who have caused major concern by capturing all the markets. Another concern he raised was the registration of indigenous people of Nagaland. He stated that AGOK was working with APO to tackle those concerns.
The programme was chaired by AGOK vice president Er. Asono M. Savino, Rev. Vilodi Sakhrie, Pastor, Town Baptist Church, Dimapur, offered prayer at the inauguration and AGOK general secretary Nongozo Rikha, proposed vote of thanks.