Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday described the Naga political issue as a “people’s issue,” emphasizing that students and citizens should understand its historical context. While acknowledging its political nature, he highlighted the need to identify the right platform to address it effectively. Rio said this while addressing the 70th AKM general conference at Chungtia Village on Wednesday.
Recalling past efforts, CM Rio noted that 23 consultative meetings have been held over time. He also highlighted a significant development on September 12, 2024, when 61 organizations- including tribal bodies, civil society groups, and churches signed a joint document. The document contained five resolutions, with the fourth urging the Government of India to elevate the ongoing talks to the “highest of the highest” level by appointing an interlocutor or a ministerial representative.
CM Rio stated, “This is not to undermine, but there is no official interlocutor at the moment in the present Naga Politics talks; some retired officers are handling it. The Government of Nagaland has mentioned this many times but Government of India has not relented.”
The Chief Minister also announced that a political affairs committee meeting is scheduled for January 17. He further discussed plans regarding reservation for backward tribes and administrative reforms, noting that policies will be revisited with the upcoming Census to ensure maximum justice for all communities.
It may be mentioned that the State government has reiterated that the implementation of any reforms may coincide with the caste-based Census proposed by the Centre in January 2026.