Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on February 15 called for expediting the long-pending Naga political settlement, stating that the peace process must move forward without further delay. He was speaking at Ukhrul headquarters after unveiling a commemorative monolith during the Lui-Ngai-Ni celebrations, the seed-sowing festival.
Lui-Ngai-Ni marks the onset of spring and the beginning of the agricultural cycle and is regarded by Naga communities 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 by the Union Ministry of Tourism in 1997 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 emphasised unity among Naga communities and reiterated the demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under a single administrative framework.
Referring to the peace talks, Rio recalled the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and Naga political groups, as well as the Agreed Position of November 17, 2017. Despite the passage of nearly eight years since the Agreed Position and more than a decade since the Framework Agreement, a final settlement remains pending.
“Until a settlement is achieved, the process remains alive,” Rio said, adding that unresolved issues continue to be examined clause by clause.
He noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has adopted six unanimous resolutions since December 12, 1964, most recently on September 20, 2018, urging the integration of Naga-inhabited areas. He also cited a consolidated meeting held on September 12, 2024, where 61 Naga organisations endorsed a resolution seeking political-level dialogue, backed by 226 signatories.
According to Rio, a Political Affairs Committee comprising all 60 MLAs of Nagaland and the state’s two Members of Parliament was 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 across party lines, reflecting what Rio described as a “party-less government” united on the Naga political issue.
While acknowledging that physical integration may involve practical challenges, Rio stressed that “emotional integration” among Naga communities should not be delayed.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who attended the programme, said the Naga people had endured prolonged struggles but had emerged stronger. “Those experiences have shaped and strengthened us,” Dikho said, adding that the community now contributes to peace and stability.
“We have fought enough in the past. Now, we must commit ourselves to peace and peace alone,” Dikho added.
The event was attended by legislators and representatives of civil society organisations from Nagaland and Manipur.