Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday asserted that the State government would maintain zero tolerance towards extortion and criminal activities, even as he reiterated its commitment to facilitating an honourable solution to the Naga political issue.
In his remarks during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the ongoing Assembly session, Rio stated that the government would continue to take firm measures to ensure peace and security across the State.
On Naga political issue, he reiterated that the government has consistently maintained the role of a facilitator– supporting negotiations, expediting dialogue and helping create conditions conducive to a lasting and honourable settlement.
Regarding Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), he stated that the government remains guided by the principles laid down in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and looks forward to continued cooperation and active participation of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) in taking the process forward.
The chief minister also sought cooperation from elected members, civil society organisations and stakeholders to ensure smooth conduct of the Census 2027 exercise in the State. He informed that a comprehensive briefing session would be organised shortly to sensitise members and party functionaries on various aspects of the exercise.
On the rationalisation and redeployment of teachers, Rio said the issue was under detailed examination, explaining that demographic shifts and declining student enrolment in certain areas have necessitated measures to ensure optimal utilisation of teaching personnel.
Acknowledging challenges in the marketing of agricultural produce, he said the Government was exploring ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms to provide farmers with improved market access and price support.
On unemployment, he highlighted ongoing skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and employability, stressing the need to promote vocational and technical skills aligned with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology.
Condemning incidents of racial discrimination against people from the Northeast, Rio said such acts run contrary to the spirit of unity and inclusiveness. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of citizens, he called for collective responsibility in upholding constitutional values.
With regard to the Foothill Road project, he said discussions have been held with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, though issues relating to land acquisition and forest clearance remain challenges. He appealed to landowners and stakeholders to extend cooperation to facilitate progress on the project.
Earlier initiating the discussion, NPF legislator Küzholuzo Nienu called for unity, constructive criticism and collective responsibility. Congratulating the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) on signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of India for the constitution of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), he expressed hope that the development would usher in peace, unity and accelerated growth in Eastern Nagaland.
Nienu also raised concerns in the education sector, particularly teacher rationalisation and staff shortages in certain schools, and called for a transparent transfer policy. He appreciated the Home Department and police for curbing drug trafficking, illegal taxation, extortion and kidnapping, while urging continuity and adequate tenure for performing officers.
Minister Temjen Imna Along lauded the department of Youth Resources & Sports for implementing policies encouraging youth to pursue sports professionally. He said such initiatives nurture talent and create structured opportunities. On tourism, he highlighted the impact of the iconic Hornbill Festival in giving Nagaland national and international visibility, adding that its extension to districts has strengthened grassroots participation while preserving Naga culture.
Independent member, Dr. Neisatuo Mero said the Governor’s Address reflected the achievements and commitments of various departments. On the Naga political issue, he welcomed continued efforts by the State Government under the Chief Minister as Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee to facilitate an early and amicable solution.
Mero stressed the importance of agriculture and horticulture as the backbone of the rural economy. He suggested reviving neglected terraces and farmlands through cash crop cultivation and exploring export avenues. In the health sector, he acknowledged improvements in infrastructure and diagnostics but called for balanced manpower distribution, especially in Primary Health Centres. Referring to unemployment despite high literacy rates, he emphasised targeted skill development, vocational training and entrepreneurship promotion.
JD(U) MLA Ar. Jwenga appreciated the government’s progress despite resource constraints and said Nagaland was advancing towards Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland @2047. Congratulating Eastern Nagaland on the FNTA MoA, he said the interim council should serve as a unifying force. He, however, urged targeted interventions to address developmental disparities in central Nagaland.
Jwenga lauded the proposed Nagaland Innovation Hub at Chümoukedima and AI Data Labs under the India AI Mission, saying they would prepare youth for emerging job markets. He also appreciated steps to strengthen cybercrime mechanisms but called for accountability in an alleged mishandling of a mobile phone theft case.
NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon welcomed the establishment of the Drone School developed by the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre, describing it as a progressive initiative for skill development. He also appreciated the Foothill Road project and the policy for exploration and production of petroleum and natural gas in the state.
At the same time, Kikon urged the House to send a strong message to the Centre regarding persistent racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in mainland India, calling for stronger legal safeguards and awareness to address such incidents decisively.
NPP legislator Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso endorsed government initiatives on the Naga political issue, FNTA, infrastructure, human resource development, sports and agriculture.
Advisor and MLA, T.N. Mannen termed the FNTA development a welcome step that could help address long-standing issues but cautioned that power-sharing and fund allocation must be handled carefully. He stressed proper and responsible utilisation of funds, adding that the fulfilment of aspirations would depend on leadership quality.
Legislators Lima Onen Chang and P. Longon also welcomed the establishment of FNTA, while emphasising effective implementation to ensure tangible outcomes.
The Motion of Thanks was moved by Kuzholuzo Nienu and seconded by advisor Tovihoto Ayemi and Nuklutoshi, MLA and was unanimously adopted, with chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressing his gratitude to the members for their support.
‘Vande Mataram’ issue echoes in NLA; Rio suggests Select Committee
Discussion on the playing and singing of “Vande Mataram” figured prominently during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address on the second day of the ongoing Budget Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), with several members expressing their views on the issue.
NPP legislator Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso raised concern over the compulsory singing of “Vande Mataram” following a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs. While acknowledging the historical importance of the song, he said making it mandatory in Nagaland had raised constitutional and religious concerns in a predominantly Christian state.
Dr. Rhütso noted that only the first two stanzas of the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the novel Anandamath, were adopted as the National Song in 1950. He also referred to a 1986 observation of the Supreme Court of India that singing “Vande Mataram” is not compulsory and that compelling individuals to do so could infringe upon freedom of religion under Article 25(1) of the Constitution.
In the context of Nagaland, he said Article 371A provides constitutional safeguards for religious and customary practices, and any directive must respect the state’s unique identity. Dr. Rhütso maintained that refusing to sing the song does not undermine the Constitution or the sovereignty and integrity of India, asserting that patriotism is demonstrated through loyalty, service and respect for constitutional values. He urged the government to review the directive in consultation with the House to ensure that national unity remains inclusive and respectful of individual conscience.
JD(U) legislator Jwenga Seb also expressed opposition to singing “Vande Mataram” as a prelude to the National Anthem. Citing concerns over religious conscience in a predominantly Christian state, he said patriotism must remain inclusive and constitutional. While affirming respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the principle of inclusive governance, Seb emphasised that India’s strength lies in its secular fabric. He reiterated that Nagaland’s patriotism is demonstrated through respect for the Tricolour and the National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”.
NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon also referred to the performance of “Vande Mataram” preceding the National Anthem during a recent programme and said the matter would be further deliberated during discussion on the Governor’s Address. Stressing that constitutional guarantees under the provisions of Fundamental Rights must be upheld, honoured and strengthened, Kikon said the sense of the House should be firmly articulated on the issue.
Responding to the concerns raised by members, chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio said the views expressed by legislators had been duly noted and respected. While acknowledging the historical significance of “Vande Mataram” as the National Song, he emphasised that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity, secular values and adherence to constitutional principles.
In view of the sensitivities involved, Rio proposed that the matter be referred to a Select Committee of the House for detailed examination, including legal consultation, before arriving at a considered decision.