Kohima, March 4: The second day of the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at the NLA Hall in Kohima was marked by extensive deliberations on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, which was ultimately passed unanimously by the House after detailed discussions on governance, development and constitutional matters.
Opening the debate, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu underscored the need for unity, constructive engagement and shared responsibility among members. He congratulated the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation for signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of India to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, expressing optimism that the development would foster peace and accelerate progress in eastern districts. He also flagged concerns surrounding teacher rationalisation and shortages, advocating for a transparent and comprehensive transfer policy. While appreciating the efforts of the Home Department and the police in tackling drug trafficking, illegal taxation, extortion and kidnapping, he stressed the importance of ensuring sufficient tenure for competent officers to maintain administrative continuity. Minister Temjen Imna Along praised initiatives by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports aimed at promoting sports as a viable professional career. Highlighting tourism, he noted that the internationally acclaimed Hornbill Festival had enhanced Nagaland’s global visibility, and said its expansion to district levels had deepened grassroots participation while preserving cultural heritage.
MLA Ar. Jwenga acknowledged the government’s strides despite financial constraints and said the state was progressing towards the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland @2047 under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. While welcoming the FNTA agreement, he called for focused measures to address imbalances in central Nagaland. He also appreciated the proposed Nagaland Innovation Hub at Chumoukedima and AI Data Labs under the India AI Mission, and sought accountability in an alleged mishandling of a mobile phone theft case. Raising objections to the singing of “Vande Mataram” before the National Anthem, he cited concerns of religious conscience in a predominantly Christian state, maintaining that expressions of patriotism must remain inclusive and rooted in constitutional principles.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon commended the Drone School inaugurated by the Chief Minister and developed by the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre. He also welcomed progress on the Foothill Road project and a policy framework for petroleum and natural gas exploration. Drawing attention to recurring instances of racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast, he urged the House to send a firm message to the Centre and pressed for stronger legal protections.
The Motion of Thanks, moved by Kuzholuzo Nienu and seconded by Advisor Tovihoto Ayemi and MLA Nuklutoshi on March 2, was adopted without dissent, with the Chief Minister expressing appreciation to members for their contributions.
In his concluding address, Rio reiterated that the state government remained a facilitator in advancing dialogue on the Naga Political Issue to secure an honourable settlement. On the FNTA, he assured that the government would adhere to the principles of the agreement and continue working closely with ENPO. Addressing the “Vande Mataram” debate, he proposed referring the matter to a Select Committee for detailed legal scrutiny, emphasising constitutional values and respect for diversity.
The Chief Minister also sought public cooperation for Census 2027, reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on extortion and stated that teacher redeployment was under review in light of demographic changes. He highlighted efforts to strengthen agricultural marketing systems and reduce unemployment through skill development aligned with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence. Condemning racial discrimination against Northeasterners, he described it as detrimental to national unity.
On infrastructure, Rio informed the House that discussions had taken place with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding the Foothill Road project, though land acquisition and forest clearances continued to pose challenges. He called for cooperation from all stakeholders to move the project forward.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton told the Assembly that no formal proposals had been received from Mokokchung or the newly created districts regarding Sadar Areas and urged Deputy Commissioners to submit the necessary documentation. Rio further observed that administrative decisions under Article 371(A) required careful consideration of customary laws.
Responding to a starred question by MLA Tongpang Ozukum, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister T.R. Zeliang reported that the KM 101–125 stretch of NH-2 between Doyang and Izheto had achieved 42.47 per cent physical progress and 41.38 per cent financial progress as of February 24, 2026, with delays attributed to land compensation issues. On the absence of an Administrative Officer-in-Charge in Changtongya Sub-Division, Patton said the P&AR Department was in the process of appointing a new SDO (Civil), with a notification expected shortly.
