Kohima, March 2: Ajay Kumar Bhalla delivered his first address since taking office in August 2025 during the Eighth Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly at the NLA Hall in Kohima on March 2, setting out the State Government’s policy direction, achievements and major development initiatives.
Opening the session with greetings to members, the Governor voiced confidence that deliberations in the House would be constructive and reflective of the highest democratic standards. He observed that the incumbent government is approaching the completion of three years in office and has remained committed to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to it by the people.
Focusing on efforts to resolve the longstanding Naga Political Issue, Bhalla reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving a peaceful settlement. He informed the Assembly that a Political Affairs Committee has been constituted, bringing together ministers, elected representatives from all tribes, leaders of political parties and Members of Parliament from the state to facilitate dialogue. A sub-committee has also been formed to streamline the process further. The Governor noted that the Chief Minister and members of the Cabinet recently met the Union Home Minister, pressing for the appointment of an interlocutor at the political or ministerial level to accelerate discussions towards an early and honourable resolution.
In a key announcement, Bhalla highlighted that on February 5, 2026, the Government of Nagaland entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of India and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority within the state. He described the agreement as a significant step towards ensuring balanced and inclusive development in Eastern Nagaland and assured full cooperation in advancing progress across all communities. The Governor also expressed appreciation to the Centre for its support in finalising the pact.
He further stated that steps are underway to constitute an Interim Council for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority in consultation with ENPO and tribal hohos of Eastern Nagaland. A dedicated legislation for the formal establishment of the authority will be enacted in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Turning to administrative matters, Bhalla drew attention to the forthcoming Census exercise. He informed members that India’s decennial Census, notified on June 16, 2025, will be conducted in two phases. In Nagaland, the first phase is scheduled from July 1 to July 30, 2026, with a self-enumeration window from June 16 to June 30, 2026. The population enumeration phase will follow in February 2027. The Governor called upon all members to extend full support to ensure the smooth conduct of the Census across the state.
