Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that much remains to be done in the fields of education, healthcare, roads, communication, and infrastructure development in the eastern part of Nagaland. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 8th Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Cultural Fiesta-cum-General Conference held at Parade Ground, Tuensang, Rio asserted that his government is committed to doing everything within its capacity for the upliftment of Eastern Nagaland.
The Chief Minister also called for unity among hohos, tribal leaders, and national workers to forge a strong bond for the successful conclusion of the ongoing Naga political talks. He acknowledged that the Eastern region continues to face systemic challenges and appealed to all Naga groups to work together to achieve lasting peace.
Rio further stated that his government is strongly opposing to the restriction of Free Movement at the bordering Area inhabited by the Nagas. He urged the Students’ Communities, Administration and Police to be very careful in issuing the Inner Line Permit and Indigenous Certificate to the illegal migrate.
Referring to the protective provisions laid down during British rule, Rio said, “We Nagas are very fortunate that the British passed an Act to safeguard our unique cultural and customary laws, which we continue to follow to this day.” He encouraged the student community to uphold and protect the rich history, traditions, and culture of the Nagas.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, ”Deliverance through Ethnicity Concord,” the Chief Minister thanked ENSF for the invitation and said the event was a reminder of the region’s collective identity and aspirations.
Rio pointed out that the Eastern region had historically been neglected. “The reason Eastern Nagaland is often called ‘backward’ is because these areas were left unadministered by the British,” he said, adding that it was only in 1957 that Tuensang was established as the headquarters of the then Naga Hills Tuensang Area.
“In the mainland of Nagaland, Christianity came early, followed by education. But for Eastern Nagaland, the journey started much later,” he said, stressing that education remains a top priority for the government and that quality education is the key to helping students compete with the rest of the country.