Kohima, Mar 13: The first phase of the eighth session of Nagaland’s 14th Assembly concluded Thursday after five days, marking the state’s first-ever two-phase legislative session. The House will reconvene on March 26 for the second phase.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla opened the proceedings on March 2 with his customary address. MLAs from most parties, except the BJP, raised objections to a Ministry of Home Affairs directive requiring the singing of Vande Mataram before sessions. The song was played once in compliance, but the House formally rejected it, citing references to Hindu deities in a Christian-majority state and invoking Article 371A protections for local traditions and religious practices. The matter has been referred to a Select Committee.

During the session, members also condemned racial discrimination against Northeasterners in mainland India, called for greater sensitivity, and highlighted delays in upgrading the 123-year-old Dimapur railway station due to land encroachments. Debates were held on the role of MSMEs in boosting Nagaland’s economy, alongside various starred and unstarred questions on development, infrastructure, and governance.

Two bills were passed: the Nagaland Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Nagaland Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2026, both introduced by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer presided for four days, with Deputy Speaker S. Toiho Yeptho chairing one day.

The second phase, beginning March 26, will focus on discussions around the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement, signed on February 5 in New Delhi, as well as the 2026-27 state budget presentation by Chief Minister Rio.