Kohima, Feb 16: Neiphiu Rio on February 15 called for expediting the long-pending Naga political settlement, asserting that the process must move forward without further delay. He made the remarks after unveiling a commemorative monolith at Ukhrul headquarters during the celebration of Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed-sowing festival of the Naga community.
Lui-Ngai-Ni marks the onset of spring and the beginning of the agricultural cycle. Observed by Naga tribes as an auspicious period to sow seeds and seek blessings for a good harvest, the festival was declared a State Festival by the Manipur government in 1988 and later recognised in 1997 by the Union Ministry of Tourism as an official tourist festival.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest at the event organised by the State Level Organising Committee under the aegis of the United Naga Council, Rio stressed the need for unity among Naga communities and reiterated the demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella.
Referring to the peace process, he recalled the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and Naga political groups, as well as the “Agreed Position” signed on November 17, 2017. Although nearly eight years have passed since the Agreed Position and over a decade since the Framework Agreement, a final settlement remains pending.
“Until a settlement is achieved, the process remains alive,” Rio said, adding that contentious issues are being discussed clause by clause.
He noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has passed six unanimous resolutions since December 12, 1964, most recently on September 20, 2018, urging the Centre to integrate all Naga-inhabited areas. A consolidated meeting held on September 12, 2024, saw 61 Naga organisations endorse a resolution seeking political-level dialogue, with 226 signatories backing the move.
According to Rio, a Political Affairs Committee comprising all 60 Nagaland MLAs and the state’s two Members of Parliament has been constituted to pursue the matter. A subcommittee led by him met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 5 to press for an expedited settlement. The delegation included Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and leaders from across party lines, reflecting what Rio described as a “party-less government” united on the Naga political issue.
While acknowledging that physical integration may face practical challenges, he underlined that “emotional integration” among Naga communities must not be delayed.
Losii Dikho, who also attended the programme, said the Naga people had endured prolonged struggles but had emerged stronger. He stated that the community now stands as a contributor to peace and stability and reaffirmed a collective commitment to peace, unity and progress.
The event was attended by legislators and representatives of civil society organisations from Nagaland and Manipur.
